A couple of weeks ago I was reading Hebrews 11, the chapter about people of great faith throughout the bible. I got to thinking about the many heroes of the faith that I have known, in my lifetime, and the list is quite long. I have been blessed, to my very core, by family and friends who love the Lord with their hearts, minds, strength, and souls, and it shines from them. I think of Mom, who prays for us and loves us so well, I’m pretty sure even in Alzheimer’s grip. Years ago, in response to my teary eyed comment that I might not see her and Dad again, she raised her hands and said Alleluia. She knows where she’s going and she wants you to come along, too! I think of BB and his wife, excited to share everything they have in order to see Fulani friends giving their hearts and lives to the Messiah. I think of so many with their personalities integral to the way they encourage, serve, and live out their faith, and each one is different. Today I am thinking especially of Opa, our daughter-in-love’s grandfather. He passed away last week and we went to his memorial yesterday. What testimonies we heard! Opa (Sterling Theobald) was a man who never met a stranger, who never let you get away without finding out what was happening in your life so he would know how to pray for you, a man who hugged well and loved well, who prayed fervently for so many, who longed for people to know Jesus. He was an amazing man, an encouraging faithful follower of the Lord. My prayer for each of us is to thank God for the people of faith in our lives, and to ask Him to give us strength to be the same to others.
Opa with Emrie
Our granddaughter, Emrie, who is 6, wrote a lovely history report on her Opa, and was able to interview him just weeks before he passed away. She and her sister read it at the memorial, too sweet! Quite the tribute, ending with ” Opa has loved me and others well. The most important thing he has done in his 94 years is to love Jesus”
Kimia’s bro Jordan and fam with Opa in his last days
Maddie and Emrie holding Opa’s hand
