Heritage

"You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere, and honor Your name" Psalm 61:5

Heritage-Valued objects and qualities that have been passed down from previous generations.

    Shortly before I left for Belgium in June I attended the funeral of Debbie Holbrook, my dear friend Katherine's aunt and family friend. I never knew her personally but I was so encouraged by the words her friends and family shared about her and the selfless lifestyle she lived. Many spoke about what a great listener she always was and I remember returning home pondering how I could become a better listener of people and of God.
      In the months leading up to Belgium I was able to spend some time caring for JoAnne Cook, our late pastor Mike Cook's wife before she moved to be with her son in California. I had known her my entire life but was able to know her on a deeper level through those times. Although her body seemed weak and frail, her prayers were strong, and in those times when I thought I was caring for her she was caring for me by installing in me portions of her spiritual strength.
      And then I went on to Belgium and spent three months with Rebecca Petrie learning from her daily what it was like to be thankful in all things and to have a joyful spirit in all circumstances. Most of my past blog posts have been about that time and the treasures I received through serving there.
  Today I attended the memorial service for Milly Dawson, mother of my "Aunt" Tacee and wife of the late pastor Frank Dawson. Aunt Tacee has a way of adopting every young girl in church, and I am privileged to be included as one of her girls. Aunt Tacee spent the past years caring for her parents. In spending time with her I got to know Milly. I remember sitting on the porch with Katherine Holbrook listening as Milly told stories from her childhood and about raising her family. At her memorial service her friends and family spoke of how grateful she always was and how she chose to be thankful even for the difficult things in life.
   When I think about the word heritage I think of the incredible spiritual heritage these women have given and are still giving to each generation. I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to receive in various amounts their spiritual heritage either directly or trickled down through those who knew them better. It is the heritage of their lives spent in service towards others and in gratitude of God's goodness that propels me forward to live out a lifestyle of gratitude and service.
        This is why I am so very thankful to have the freedom and opportunity to now serve Thomas and Beth Hernandez in San Antonio, Texas. I met Thomas and Beth at a young adult's conference in 2009 and I was instantly inspired by their contagious love for people and love for God. While I was still in Belgium I received news that Beth had been in what was described as a "freak accident" and had broken her back losing mobility in her legs. You can follow her story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bethhernandez/mystory. It is now my privilege to fly down to San Antonio on Tuesday and be of any assistance to Beth during this time. I get to begin this next journey knowing that I have been filled to be emptied with the heritage of those who fear, revere, honor, and love God.