Friday, February 14, 2014, I received a text saying Gilbert Carmona has been killed in a car wreck. Later, as details emerged, it was learned the accident had occurred on I-85 near Charlotte. There were bad road conditions involved and a definite tragedy occurred. The link to the article on the Charlotte Observer website is here. The outpouring on social media has been overwhelming as many have offered reflections of their fond memories for Gilbert, Jr. All of this has triggered some memories of my own, but, first more on the events over the last 24 hours.
Comments from different former members of Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF) have reflected their shock and sadness of the passing of Gilbert Carmona. Many have remembered him a sincere, trusting, funny and “real guy.” Some have remembered Gilbert’s warm smile, good heart and the list goes on. One thing that is VERY evident, former members are allowed to show much more love and caring respect for present members than present WOFF members for the former ones. When one leaves WOFF, it is clear in times like this, those deep feelings of love and admiration can continue towards present members when seen as deserved. And for certain, in many previous members’ hearts and minds, Gilbert Carmona, Jr. who was still a WOFF member, deserved such admiration.