Living to Impact

The intensity of loss we feel when dear ones depart is directly proportionate to their impact on our lives.

Recently, a beloved member of my community bid farewell to his granddad, who had lived a long, fulfilling life. He had the joy of seeing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren thrive, and his presence was a constant throughout their journeys. His passing was deeply felt despite having fulfilled his role in their lives and there was nothing more he could do. This man, who departed from a hospice at a ripe old age, was more than just a family member-he was a pillar of strength and love.

But he has left behind a treasure trove of memories. He was a shining example of love and a life centred on Christ, not just to his immediate family but to the entire community. 

The tributes posted by his family members are a testament to how he touched the lives of everyone around him. He would even cut the hair of his grandchildren, despite having no experience in hairdressing, to help his children save money for other needs. He made sure the large family gathered annually to strengthen their bonds. He was the sturdy trunk from which they all branched out. 

One big three with numerous branches has fallen. The impact is profound, and so is the loss.

Living to impact the lives of others is what gives our existence on earth purpose. This impact, this legacy, remains even when we are weak, old, unable to contribute further, and finally wither away.

 #LegacyOfLove

#FamilyBond
#FaithAndMemory
#LifeWellLived
#CherishedMoments
#InLovingMemory
#LossAndHealing
#StrengthInFaith
#GenerationalImpact
#TributeToLife

Conquering the Villains of our Love for God

Nowadays, we don't talk about  'conquerors' nor 'conquering'. Those words belong to the by-gone days when military victory was the by-word of human success. Roman military heroes were nominated to the Senate, were promoted or even became emperors on the basis of their conquest of foreign lands. The language has changed with the times. In our days, we talk about achievers, nothing much is left to conquer.

However, the language of conquest still should prevail in some aspects of our life, particularly in the area of our spiritual relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. I prefer the language of 'conquering' over 'achieving' since it has the nuance of defeating something that opposes. However, though achieve also involve some effort from the part of the achiever, there may not be resistance from the other side.

Spiritual relationship with Christ is one of love. He lavished his love upon us on the cross, and we respond to that love. We love because he first loved us.

The response to Christ love is not cheap just as his love towards us was not. There are challenges on the way of that relationship of love. Trials of various sorts are the main hindrances in maintaining that love towards him. Especially when we are put to suffer for the sake of that love. These threats to love come in various forms as our own temptations and opposition from others.

However, the Bible declares that nothing on earth or heaven, present or future should not hinder that love. Rom 8:37-38 is not a prediction but a declaration of a resolve. It should be read, as the author probably intended as, 'death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to (should not) separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.'

Christian love doesn't happen spontaneously, we need to respond to God's love in Christ Jesus. It is not easy to maintain it as well. We should make constant effort to maintain our love towards him by conquering the forces, desires and powers that tend to separate us from that love. We are not merely achieving it, but we remain in God's love by conquering everything that rise against it. Conquer the villains of our love affair with God.

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