A story about legacy

He wore jeans and a button up shirt.

Held an old Bible in one hand.

His grey hair and aged completion didn’t hinder his voice which was strong and pleasant.

He began with apologies.

“I don’t really feel comfortable talking in front of a lot of people, but sometimes you just have to give glory to God.”

He cleared his throat as if to steady himself and then began.

“You know we just celebrated my dad’s 100 birthday.”

This family is well known in the area and many heads moved in agreement and even some verbalized their feelings at this.

It had been such a community event the local diner had a flyer just to make sure everyone knew about the party and where it was being held.

As he continued he described the week just completed.

“You know Dad was a quiet man, private and we had all been praying God would take him home in his sleep, that he wouldn’t suffer.”

After a moment he continued.

“That’s what God did Thursday night. He took Dad in the quiet, without pain. He didn’t suffer.”

Eyes were dabbed throughout the room.

“I just wanted to say, that the gentle godly man you knew here at church was the same man he was at home.”

“He was an example of godliness in our home and our family.”

He shared the privilege of being able to care for his father the last few years and what a wonderful relationship he had with him during the end of his father’s life.

He finished by reading from Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 NKJV — Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.

He finished with these words because they reflected the life of his father, a man who glorified God.

Pastor preached directly afterwards about being people of integrity.

It was so fitting.

Here was an example of a man who was well known in his community and whose 100 years will be remembered by his family and others as a godly man.

A man of integrity hearts be inspired to live in such a way as to give glory to God.

Let us be people of integrity.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word and Your truth lived out. Lord, thank You for those who live godly lives no matter the circumstances. People who are honest, gentle, faithful, and full of integrity. Lord, please help me to be a person of integrity. Please place a guard upon my heart that I might not fall into sin. Please teach me Your statutes daily. Lord, let those who are called by Your name be an encouragement to others, spurring each other on to live righteously before You. Thank You, Jesus for Your blessings. Thank You for this story of a godly man and the legacy he has left behind him. May Your name continue to be glorified in those who are called by Your name. Amen.