A remembrance of life fought hard

Carl Kenneth Lipscombe

A friend. I first met carl on a random leadership retreat at Brooklyn college in some snowy mountains in 2000 winter recess.  We became fast friends and I still remember we played board games while everyone else was goofing off.  I guessed snapdragon for the Pictionary card. And he was surprised. Later in the retreat I spoke up as an individual about leadership or rights or freedoms or something. And people began to take notice.  Little did I know that Carl was going to win the student government presidency of Brooklyn College. As we chatted on the bus back to Brooklyn I parted ways. And said I wish you the best I will probably never see you again.  The next day I was sitting in USL’s office talking politics and hanging out. Carl gave me my first political assignment to sit on government operations committee on CLAS Student government assembly. We had to prepare for elections. No prep. No Exp. Just a will to learn.  He was our floor leader and orchestrated one political goodwill plan after another.  He was versed in Robert rules or order.  I was out of my league.  But I got the political fever. I stood with my party and we won that election. I served the party as Chair that year and was slated to be the front-runner candidate for the presidency.  But alas things don’t turn out as you wish but according to God’s plan. While Chair, I served as his Chief-of-Staff for his administration. It was for free and fun. It was the best fun I had in politics. We honed our craft. Built each other up and fought some easy and hard fights. I just remember hearing myself saying I’m just a remember saying to Carl, my friend, I’m just a randomguy. And he said mohammed in a sheepish and relaxed grin… you really are a randomguy.  Carl was always extraordinary.  As he self-labeled his persona. But to me he was a friend. He showed me the way. I refined it. But if it wasn’t for God bringing this good Samaritan in my life. And Guide me in my first ever bible study who knows where I would be today.  My third brother. Carl I wish you peace in heaven and I remember you.  I’m sorry life is unexpected. In dedication, I have decided to step forward and lead. Not as others but as myself. Exemplary of success. Absent of ambition. And compounded with love. Love is my north store. Shining beacon on the hill.  Let us all remember carl for life without a good friend or two is life short of god’s best. In closing, I hope you too have the courage to lead, understudy someone and see the hope of the future in another. I know he did. And I do.