One month ago, it was All Saints Day. As I child I never knew quite what to do with All Saints Day. Was it the good version of Halloween? Just for Catholics? I was rather confused. However it does coincide with my birthday, and I always thought that was pretty cool.
All Saints Day celebrates the lives of Christians, both past and present. That day was also a Baptism Sunday. During the baptism ceremony, the members of the church are asked to both prayer for and be involved in the upbringing of each child. The loud chorus of "Yeses" struck me and I began to think about all the saints who have been pivotal in my life.
Some are people that I know well and some who know me well-- family members, youth group leaders, and Sunday school teachers. The minister who baptized me as a baby also came to mind. Dr. Long was the minister at our church from about the time I was born to early elementary school. Though our families stayed in touch, I can only recall a couple of sermons he preached. Even though he did not personally influence my faith, he did have tremendous impact on the people around me. My parents came to a greater understanding of the Gospel and Scripture through an intensive Bible course Dr. Long taught. His teaching was one way God allowed my parents to raise me in the church and teach me about the Lord from an early age. He strongly impacted numerous teachers and leaders still present at that church today.
It started to make me think about my life and the impact I might have for Christ through others around me. I'm not currently leading a girls' small group or mentoring any young people, but my life should nonetheless be focused outward. What ways are you striving to grow a new generation?
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