A Sacred Walk

It felt like a sacred stewardship, even though it was an unanticipated assignment. The request came during the 2022 graduation exercises at Taylor University. As a Trustee of my alma mater, I was invited to sit on the platform during the commencement ceremony.

But this request was different. It came because of a special graduate—specifically, the recipient of an honorary degree: Janie Kesler. Janie graduated from Taylor in 1959 and later married a fellow Taylor graduate, Jay Kesler. Fourteen years after her graduation, Jay was named the sixth president of Youth For Christ USA. In 1985, they transitioned from that ministry to become President and First Lady of Taylor University. The campus community welcomed them wholeheartedly—and they, in turn, poured their lives into the place and its people.

In 2018, Jay experienced a significant health event that deeply affected him—and just as deeply, Janie. Now, she was front and center in his care. She led and Jay followed. For much of her life she had lived in the background, yet always an essential part of Jay’s leadership at both YFC and Taylor. Less visible, but foundational.

So, in 2022, Taylor University publicly acknowledged what had long been privately evident: Janie Kesler was an extraordinary woman. A stalwart in the faith. A champion of the missions she embraced. A model of love, care, and resilience. Janie had a quiet but unmistakable strength.

With Jay’s health limiting his presence, Janie and her family wondered how best to support her during the long graduation processional walk into the auditorium and onto the stage. That’s when I received an invitation I will always cherish: to be the arm Janie could hold.

So, robed in academic regalia, Janie Kesler and I walked together.

It felt like a sacred trust. A precious gift.

As I carefully matched her pace—my hand gently cupped over hers—she looked up and said softly, “You can walk faster.” And so, I did.

That was Janie Kesler: gentle, kind, understated, petite—and remarkably capable.

On July 1st, Janie slipped her arm into the arm of her Heavenly Father. This time, it was His turn to escort her. Not to a stage on a warm May day in Indiana, but into glory. Not for an honorary degree, but for a crown that will never tarnish or fade.

She will be missed—deeply—even as she is remembered for her remarkable impact on so many lives, including mine.

Janie Kesler has graduated. And in our grief, we celebrate, we honor her, and we commit to live more like Janie.

Well done, dear friend. Well done.