Conference yukon::christian_v7

202.0. "It's a Wonderful Life" by TOKNOW::METCALFE (Eschew Obfuscatory Monikers) Mon Jul 19 1993 13:57

I went to a funeral (memorial service actually) yesterday.  Some lady I didn't
know... I knew her family.  I love a good funeral, and this was G O O D!

It seems that some 30 years ago, Millie Crawford was expecting her third child.
She had had 2 Rh- children, and numerous miscarriages prior to this and the
prospect of carrying this baby to term was near impossible unless she got
complete bed rest for the last months.

There was a woman in Millie's church who offered to help.  This was her
mark on life, always helping, always ministering.  For the last months of
Millie's pregnancy Henrietta Stark ran two homes, cooked two meals, and cared
for two families. And that baby was born because Henrietta Stark cared enough
for Millie Crawford.

That baby grew up and I married her.  We have since had four children of
our own.

Millie gave birth to her third daughter, my wife, Joy because Henrietta cared.
And Joy has given  birth to four lovely children, all of whom are devoted
to God by us and of themselves as they grow.  It's a real life "It's a
Wonderful Life" because if Henrietta didn't care, life would be changed
- and changed not for the good and glory of God!  But Henrietta did care
and we are only one - only one - of the examples of the people we touch.

We don't, can't know all of it, until someday in heaven when the Lord says,
"hold out your hands" and begins to place treasures that we've stored up.
I'm sure Henrietta has responded "when did I do these things for you, Lord?"
"Inasmuch as you have done them unto the least of these, my brethren, you
have done it to Me."

Who knows what her full impact for the kingdom will be?  God does.
It reminded me that many of us will touch the lives of others in
ways we'll never, ever know or understand this side of eternity.
It also reminded me of the responsibility we have to touch people,
even when there will be no apparent or knowable result; but touch
we must.  Who knows what impact my children will have, what impact
my wife has had on my life (which already is significant - Proverbs 31),
what impact Millie Crawford is having because Millie has a mark on life
of always helping, always giving, always ministering.

And how about your impact? (and mine)

Mark

    Wow, Mark, that nearly had me in tears.  That's one of those true
    stories that can change a life... beyond the already touched lives in
    the story.
    
    Nancy

    Mark:
    
    I had the privelage of leading music at a memorial service a few
    months ago.  It was the nicest memorial service I have ever attended.  
    It didn't involve a wake, just an evangelical service to bring the 
    gospel to a dying world.
    
    I miss Helen, she was like a young grandmother to my kids.
    
    -Jack