Go.......and LIVE!

One of the most important things Christ tells us to do as followers is to: (Matthew 28:19)Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Since the bible and its commandments for us all to follow, sometimes we see this particular admonishment as a tough one. How do I, as a wife, mom, nana, and self-titled "old geezer" make disciples? How do you, as a young person who has to earn a living and probably has a family have the time? How does an elderly person, at the end of his life, have the influence or means to go and make disciples? I believe the key is to go and live, and that has been dramatically shown to me in the past weeks in three different examples. I'd like to share those stories with you. The first story is of a woman who passed away recently. She did not have a "piece of cake" life as an adult. At one point she found herself as the single mother of 3 boys. She eventually later married again,very happily. She was a devout Christian, and lived her life in service to her community, family, church, and friends. On her facebook page, there are countless posts of people who sent her good wishes and prayed for her during her illness. Words such as inspiration, amazing, peaceful, sensitive, and angel were used after her passing. I attended a bible study in her home for a time, and she was gracious and kind to all of us there. She always had a funny story to tell, a smile to give, and a faith to profess. She looked for the best in every person and every situation. I believe there were many disciples made by watching her life every day. Rest in peace at the feet of our Heavenly Father, Ernestine! My second story is about a young wife and mother. She has a career as a school counsellor, a husband, and two little girls. At present,she may be entering her second battle with cancer. As I look back over her posts during the 3 1/2 years since this started, every single journey entry has reference to our God, His mercy, her faith in Him, and the blessings He has bestowed on her. I have never once heard her say or seen her post about fear or anger. She has occasionally used the word "rough", in situations where most of us might use the word "hell" or something worse. Her example of trust in our Lord and courage in the face of overwhelming difficulty can't help but make disciples. It shows who He is and what He can do for his children. Please keep Shelley and her family in your prayers. My last story has to do with a close personal friend. I have known her for over 40 years. We knew each other as teenagers, and had a few really fun, crazy times then. Her friendship as an adult has guided me through some really rough times. Raised by a devoutly Christian mother, she has always held on to our Savior for dear life. Her faith that got her through when she lost her mother. I know that the current serious illness of her husband is not a road she wants to walk. But again, when I read her posts or talk to her, she constantly praises God for His goodness, His guidance, and His mercy. She puts me to shame. I know my life has been changed by the demonstration she and her family have given of faith in God through crisis....and disciples will have to come through all of their witness. Keep Belinda and Weener in your prayers also. There are many more examples I could write about. People who quietly live their lives every day, demonstrating a deep and abiding faith in all they do. One doesn't have to write a blog, post on Facebook, be an evangelist on television, write a book, be a pastor, or live a perfect life to show others who our Savior is. All we have to do is live life for Him and in Him. This is a desperately cruel and evil world. Living a life that shows who He is to others who need hope is critical. Our lives speak much louder than our words do. So go.....and LIVE!

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