Leaving a Legacy

It probably comes with age----thinking about what I will be remembered for on this earth.  Will my contributions to family, friends and community live on........will this world be a better place for the decades that I occupied this earthly vessel?  I guess if the truth be known, all of us would like to think that we have made a lasting impact and will be thought of fondly at the end of life.


These thoughts were stirred up yesterday when I learned of the home-going of Jackie Kemsey.  I met Jackie when I was on staff at Eagle's Landing FBC.  We were acquaintances, not best friends.  In recent years I once again came in contact with her through Facebook, which is how I learned of her passing.  My heart was saddened and I began to question myself as to why I felt such a sense of loss being that Ms. Jackie was "only an acquaintance?"


As I thought back on the years I had known Ms. Jackie, I began to realize that I had actually given more consideration to this woman's life than I had thought.  Reflection on my first remembrance of her was with her husband, Larry.  I recalled their always being together in church.   But, they were not just in church......they embraced the church (meaning the people and not the building)!  Ms. Jackie would call my name and reach her hands and arms out to me.  Her affection was contagious.  After leaving ELFBC, I was somewhat surprised when she requested "friend" status with me on Facebook.  Here she was in her late 70's and not letting technology pass her by!  She used social networking to be a part of other peoples lives and to stay connected to her friends.   This spoke so much about her and made an impression on me.  Over time I read the posts that she would send out and noticed that so much of the response was from younger women----I marveled at how this senior saint was carrying out part of her purpose in life to be the older woman teaching the younger.

So, the loss I felt was more of a loss of a Godly influence upon this earth........not that of just an acquaintance!  However, isn't it just amazing how much God can show and teach us through acquaintances?  It's almost like it was meant to be!!! So little time we ever actually spent together, but, great the message and life-lessons taught and learned.  How much more it makes me realize that the "little" encounters we have with others may not be so "little!"

 I know there are many, many others who's life has been blessed by this heaven bound saint and many who could more eloquently share her impact but, let me just say, if at the end of my life there are those who can look back and remember with fondness and appreciation, as I do with Mrs. Jackie Kemsey, then my life will have made this earth a better place!