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Galatians 5:22-25 – By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. (NRSV)
Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (NRSV)
Her name was Louise. She died a month or two shy of 105 and shared half of that long life with me. She worked with my mother during World War II and they were the best of friends. She was there for my mother when she developed multiple sclerosis. She was my Sunday School teacher in grade four and watched from afar as my brothers and I grew up in a home that knew too much sickness. I spent a week at her home when my mother died. When my home life broke down, she was there again, and I spent grade twelve with her and her husband Russ. They were my biggest supporters throughout university, they stood proudly at my ordination, and they took the place of parents at my wedding.
Her faith was a constant inspiration to me, and I cherish the old Bible that had been her mother's and was given to me. Why is she one of the lives that guide my journey of faith alongside Nelson Mandala and Mother Theresa? Louise modelled everything that a Christian is meant to be: a teacher, a mentor, a counsellor, and the list goes on and on. The gifts of the Spirit were hers, and she lived her faith and shared it with me in so many ways. I am just so grateful to God for her!
So, do you have a story to tell of those who have mentored you in the faith? Why not rehearse that story right now, and maybe, just maybe, as God gives the opportunity, share that story with another. Maybe, just maybe, someone is telling your story right now and giving thanks to God … for you!
Prayer: Thank You, God, for guiding us on this uncertain journey of faith. Thank You, God, for lives that guide us, even when we feel uncertain about our faith and our future. Some comfort us, some challenge us, some inspire us, and most just find ways to love us. For all such people in our lives, we thank You, and especially for the One Who is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.
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Thank you Kenn!
Very meaningful devotional.
Thank you, Kenn, for this inspiration.
Inspiring words, Kenn. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Kenn, for an inspiring devotional this morning.
What a treasure to behold and share Kenn! Blessings for sharing.
A beautiful story and a great prayer, thanks for sharing with us Kenn!
Wonderful message today Kenn. Thank you, so much. I will pass my message along.
Thank you Kenn for sharing.
I am so happy you were blessed to have Louise!
Merci Kenn for another worthwhile devotional. Gratitude … mentor, mentee … a great cloud of witnesses.
Thank you, Kenn, for such wonderful inspiration today.
That was wonderful and a good challenge too.
A wonderful woman and an inspiration to all of us. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings to you on your loss.
Thanks for sharing Louise.
How fortunate we are to have those special people gifted to us.
Her memories you will cherish forever.
I love the way your writing flows smoothly with especially appropriate scriptures to back up your thoughts and ideas. I loved the story of Louise, very heartwarming. Hit home for me this morning. Thank you for sharing.
Ames. Your message is very meaningful for me. That person in my life was my dear Dad. He also was a Presbyterian minister and his ministry brought me to profess my faith at a very young age. it has never left me.
Kenn, what an inspirational story of how one faithful believer can impact the life of another person. Being present in real supportive and simple ways takes time and love. God gives us time and His love to give away to others.
Loved this, thank you so much!
You folks from down east are special people!
Thanks again
(Ont)
HI Kenn
As I read, I try to guess the author: is this Kenn or not.
Almost always I am right. Today was an example.
THANKS again!
Powerful story Kenn!
Thank you for sharing it and encouraging the rest of us to share similar stories.
Blessings and Peace.
Thank you Kenn for your heart felt devotion.
Yes, we need to know our story so we can share Jesus when the opportunity presents itself. You are so blessed to have had such a Godly woman by your side.
Thank you Kenn for another of your special devotionals. Wonderful to hear about that special person who was a great guide and comforter in your life. Although our Lord is the greatest guide in our lives, He also puts special people in our lives as extra help. Blessings for your writings.
Thanks, Kenn.
I have had a great day reminiscing the many people who have had a positive influence on me in life. I hope I have paid it forward!
Keep writing the motivating devotionals.
(On)
What a lovely devotional today, Kenn. Thank-you. Actually, I always appreciate the ones you write even though I don’t often tell you. I learned a lot about your background from this one. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know you better in our College days.
May God continue to bless your life and ministry, which of course includes your writing.
Hi Kenn,
I picked up on of whom you were speaking right away and did not even have to scroll down to see who had written this meditation.
Thank you for once again naming Louise and her place in your life. I did not know her well, but it is inspiring to hear once again of her love and support to your mother, your family, and to you personally.
Good morning Kenn,
What a great message you are sharing and inspiring us to think about who God might have provided to guide us and to share our story with others. I got a very peaceful feeling as I read your devotional knowing that such wonderful people were in your life for you in the rough patches and in the good times.
I joined in your prayer because it was so meaningful to me, and I am sure to others. Blessings and I am sure you are a guide for others.
During my morning Devotional time, I have often made a list of my mentors. They were there as I took baby steps in the new Faith I had found and always welcomed my wondering questions about The Way. There was an amazing variety, old, young, well-educated, and rough-hewn, but always available!
Thanks for reminding me of these saints without visible halos! I’ve tried to give back where/when I can. Bless you, Kenn.
(BC).
Thanks for this Kenn,
When I was 22, a youth pastor came into my life and introduced me to Jesus, and a life of faith. I really don’t know where I would be if it were not for him, nor whom (nor what) I might be worshipping today!
With Jamie’s infectious personality, faith, and encouragement, I became a Sunday school teacher, started a small chain of clothing stores, married an amazing young lady from his church (now celebrating over 40 years of marriage!), became a missionary for a few years, and a church pastor for 30 years.
Jamie has always been a reminder of the incredible gift and influence that one person can have on another – as your story clearly points
Blessings,
(BC)