The Example Of Those Who Go Before Us

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) 

Working on my family genealogy recently I came across a photo of my great grandmother. I had never seen her, or even a photo of her before. She looked weary and worn out, yet she also looked tough with just a flicker of fire in her eyes. According to the census she had recently been widowed and only three of her six children remained alive. We can hardly imagine what our ancestors have endured and survived for us to be here today. Her steadfastness kept my grandfather alive, and would lead to my birth, giving me a chance at life. 

Every day brings challenges, disappointments, excuses to give up. Consider that if any of our ancestors had given up at any point in their lives, just one of them on our family tree, we would not be here today. Likewise, if we give up at any point and cash in our life our descendants will not have the chance at life that we have. We leave them a legacy based upon our choices and actions. 

We must all keep the faith in large and small ways. I am sure some of my ancestors thought that: Well I'm just a farmer and my life doesn't matter much, or I'm just a day laborer and my existence does not count, or a home maker, or a coal miner...there were probably many of our ancestors who thought their life was meaningless. The truth is the drudgery of their lives mattered, their faithfulness and courage in hardship lead to our existence. 

Often in the old census records I see grandchildren living with grandparents because either the parents had died or could not support the children. I see fathers who were absent, people moving in with other relatives just to survive. They had many of the problems we have today, and frequently fewer resources and opportunities to meet their needs. They were hungry, poor, struggling to survive. They were ill, without proper medical treatment, and yet they kept the faith, continued to believe and sometimes just had the courage to put one foot in front of the other. 

It is a miracle that any of us are alive today considering the challenges our ancestors faced. But life prevails, hope prevails despite all obstacles, and that itself is a lesson for those of us today. 

We face tough challenges, health problems, financial difficulties, relationship stresses and strains, and changing circumstances we have no control over. I belief faith must have sustained many of our ancestors through their trials. Faith will also see us through whatever life throws at us. We carry the same responsibility to those who come after us as those who came before us. Our small acts of faith, our monotonous actions of just carrying on day to day may have big rewards not only for our progeny, but everyone our life touches.  

It does not take a blood relative or DNA connections to affect the lives of others and help someone who is hurting to survive another day. Some of those who have helped me to keep standing strong did not even come from the same part of the world as myself much less be part of my family tree. The point is that anyone who chooses faith and hope instead of despair and surrender can affect others, even generations after they have left this world.  

What Jesus did centuries ago transformed the entire world. His act of courage and faith continues to bear fruit and change lives. We too have the chance to leave a legacy that makes the world a better place, and our small acts of faith could reap big rewards long after we go on to be with the Lord. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember our choices today can have consequences centuries from now. Enable us to live faithful lives that make a difference in the lives of others. Amen. 

Karlton Douglas 

Copyright 2017