“She smiled. She encouraged. She wrote. She believed.” In eight words, that’s how I strive to be remembered. Someone who smiled, encouraged, wrote, and believed.
Based on red lettered scripture, Jesus spoke few words. He didn’t need many words because His message was consistent. Love God. Love creation. Be true. Be kind. He lived that code of conduct.
Jesus presented His message when He approached an invalid man who sat 38 years near a healing pool. The man hoped, expected and waited for someone else to help him to the water. The man’s someone was sitting inside himself.
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Jesus knew the man needed guidance more than he needed another excuse. He said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Scripture says, “At once the man was cured” (John 5:9 NIV). The man didn’t need a lengthy sermon. He needed someone to say, “I believe in you. You have the capacity to take one step. Give yourself permission rather than a list of grievances.”
On earth, I’ll write much. I have a resume, education, health. I’m surrounded by tremendous people. Most of all, I have my gift of faith. Like Jesus, I want to be remembered as someone who encouraged and believed.
I smile, I encourage, I write for God because I believe.
Moving toward the healing circle of Life,
Christina
P.S. The recessional song for my celebration of life will be the Lion King version of Timone and Pumba singing Hakuna Matata. “No more worries for the rest of my days.” Keep a song in your heart!
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk” (John 5:7-8).