When I was in seminary our women’s group had an end of the year dinner, in which we had a brief “sending “of those women who were graduating.  One of the things that was said to each one was, “You have touched our lives and we are not the same.”  When someone is sent to do ministry somewhere else or moves away or passes away, it is important to remember that their life has impacted our lives, and we are not the same.

One way we remember how people have changed our lives is by stories.  God has used stories and told us to remember the stories of the people and events that have helped us understand who God is, and what God has done for us.  Those stories bring us comfort and inspiration.  They are important to remember.  They can be one of our stepping stones and part of our faith stories.  So can the stories of people in our lives.  So, as we remember David Smith, Bill Stevens, and Bill Keeler (and others who we remember) even as we grieve, let us not forget to tell stories of those folks to one another.  That is one way they will live on as the stories inspire, bring joy, and warmth.  Thank God for stories.

Blessings and peace,

Janna