Your Life Matters
Your life has the potential to change the world around you and the ripple effect could impact the lives of thousands of people for all eternity.
The world has lost 3 amazing people.
My mentor, Beverley Lakes, was not one who fought to be in the public eye. She simply loved those who God put right in front of her. She would always pull her Bible out and give instructions from the Word. She loved, encouraged, and taught others to focus on the promises of God instead of their bleak circumstances. She would say that the Truth in God’s Word always trumps the facts. Beverley’s sincere devotion to build my faith changed my life forever. Her personal ministry had a ripple effect and touched hundreds...maybe even thousands, even though she was rarely on a stage. It was in Beverley’s living room and kitchen table or meetings in Chili’s and other restaurants that she got deep and personal with the ladies who wanted to learn and glean from Beverley. My children and the generations after will be affected because I learned how to pray for my kids and train them up in the ways of the Lord. I attribute my deep roots of faith and strength to Beverley because she taught me how to take God at His Word and not waiver. I pray her reward in heaven is GREAT and she is continuing to reap the harvest from all she planted while on earth.
A friend from my 20’s, Sean Buchanan, was a leader and a gatherer. Sean was one who loved the Lord and loved people. He was a ring leader for our singles college/young adult group at New Life Church back in 1999. Sean was constantly getting our crew together to grab lunch after church or go to someone’s house for games or a movie. He also got a group together for weekly swing dancing. He loved to see people hanging out and having a good time. At times there would be 60-70 young adults hanging out for worship and Bible teaching. Lots of laughs and lots of fun because one guy was passionate about Christian fellowship. Gosh....we were so young back then and after many years have passed, we kinda lost touch. I got married and moved out of state. He got married and started a new life with a beautiful wife and having kids. But you know something? The impact that Sean had on my life and so many others back then lasted a lifetime. I made lasting friendships because of his efforts that he probably didn’t even know about. It’s the ripple effect that will last for generations...actually for all eternity.
This next lady...well, to be honest, I never knew her persoanlly. Her name is Andrea Mills. Even though Andrea is with Jesus now, her YouTube channel and website along with her social media postings have impacted countless lives and families. Andrea was married to Tom and they had 9 children. She homeschooled them and lived her life pretty much on public display. She wanted to help other ladies and moms learn and be inspired to do new things. Andrea’s knowledge and willingness to be open with her faith and homemaking skills have helped countless families and will continue to help and inspire thousands for years to come. Andrea was willing to use her talents for the Lord and for the benefit of those watching. The ripple effect will go on and on and on for generations.
This makes me ask myself some questions and I would like to invite you to ask yourself the same. What are WE doing with our time here on earth? Are WE going to be remembered for using what God has given us to help others? Are we making a difference right where we are? God has placed people right in front of us whether face to face or on social media or other venues on the internet. I do not want to sit still and bury my talents. We may not think we have special talents, but the people around us could be blessed because of something we do or say or give. We may never be famous and have thousands of followers or people beating our doors down to get our autographs....lol... but are we faithful with the ones God has entrusted to us?
Some of you know your calling and you are already using your giftings to be a blessing to others. Awesome! Some of us might be trying to figure that out. I want to give you some suggestions of things you can be doing in the meantime.
Here are a few ideas of ways to make a difference:
1- Get use to focusing on the needs of others rather than your own.
2- Pray for others.
3- Encourage others and lift them up with spoken words, a message, or a card.
4- Teach someone something that you know how to do.
5- Give a gift to someone. They will love the surprise.
6- Plan a gathering at your house or dinner out or maybe a fun activity.
YOU are here to make a difference and the people around you could forever be affected for all eternity. Just like Beverley, Sean, and Andrea, YOU can have a ripple effect for the next generations and for all eternity! What are you going to do with what God gave you?
