Lawrence Brooks was the oldest-known World War II veteran in the U.S. when he died recently at the amazing age of 112. And as his life is being celebrated and commemorated, friends and loved ones are revealing that Brooks had a secret to his longevity: actively loving God and loving others.
Brooks’ credit for longevity seems to be derived from Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:36-40. When asked to describe the “greatest commandment in the law,” Christ said: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
Brooks’ adherence to these verses shouldn’t be surprising. He was a faithful church member and had credited God for his many years on earth.
Brooks was well aware of the unique nature of the long and amazing life he lived. He said he was starting to think about the fact that he wouldn’t have “many birthdays left,” but he credited the Lord for his many years. “I’m not worried about it, because God has let me live this long already,” he said.
Brooks, who was born in 1909, was one of 15 children and was the son of sharecroppers. He was drafted into the military and served a year in 1940 — but then returned to the Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor.