Lin's Legacy

This past Sunday Gene Appel gave a sermon that rocked everyone who heard it. He talked about the big "What if..". What if this is the last year of your life? Are you leading it the way you want to? What will your legacy be? He went on to show the video story of a young couple, I think Heather and Eric Olson were their names. This young, very much in love couple have four young sons and another on the way. A few months ago the husband woke up in the middle of the night with an overpowering sense that his life would be cut short. From this prompting from the Holy Spirit, he crept downstairs and made an emotional 45 minute video for his family and friends; it was his legacy, the things he wanted his family and friends to know...He started by saying that if they had found this DVD labeled "Eric's Last Words" something bad had happened. And then he went on to leave words of love and wisdom for his wife, his sons, his parents and words of encouragement for his unsaved friends to pursue God. And something bad did happen. Eric was killed in a small plane crash in Indiana two months ago. The message was overwhelming. Our lives have a purpose.

As I walked out of Willow Creek, I thought of my sweet sister Lin's note that we found in her stuff after her life was cut short at the young age of 47 in a weird, tragic accident. I have made copies of it and keep it stuck in places where I will see it and read it again. I think today is a good day to post it here.

And if you can't make out all of her handwriting, here is what she says:

"My personal request is to have no one mourn my death but know that I am thankful for all the days I was allowed to be on this earth. I know the Lord Jesus forgives me for all I've done wrong, and I pray all those close to me, do too. I've had and enjoyed so very much in my years here. I feel I've touched and been touched by many of your beautiful spirits. I've learned so much and probably misunderstood as much but I tried to be open to learn more. Thanks to all those who helped, guided and were there along the way. May all those who read this open their hearts and look for the joy and the truths everywhere around them for these days are given with a purpose and it's up to each of us to learn it and try to live with this in mind always so we can...LIVE God bless you all"

Lin, almost 10 years after you are gone from this earth and we still learn from you. Thanks for that...

PS I think you'd get a kick out of my nose piercing!