My Story: In Memory

I grew up in a small community in Northeastern Nebraska. My family and I were members of the Presbyterian Church there. My parents were very active members and looking back, I felt I always had a good start in understanding how to be a Christian.

When I was a teenager, my family and I moved to Beatrice, Nebraska and then to Lincoln, Nebraska as my dad was now with the University of Nebraska. We joined a large Presbyterian Church in Lincoln and again became very involved in church activities.

Years later, my dad died of a massive heart attack. My mom asked that memorials to him go to that Presbyterian Church. To her amazement and mine, that church did nothing to use that money. My mom even wrote some suggestions for the memorial money use but again, nothing happened. Over a year went by and still nothing.

I will never forget this next moment in my life. I was mowing my yard and a very strong message came to me. I shut down the mower, went inside and called my mom. I remember telling her I thought this was very important.

The message to me simply said, ask that the memorial money be sent to the church in my hometown. My mom said that sounded like a good plan but didn’t know if the Lincoln church would understand. To our delight, weeks later the Lincoln church did send the money.

Several months later, one of my mom’s dear friends that lived in that small community passed away. I took mom to her friend’s funeral. We arrived a bit early and when we entered the church, folks that were already there came up and hugged my mom and me.

After the funeral, we stayed for the reception. It was at that time I knew prayers are answered. Friends came up to my mom and said how much they appreciated the memorial money that had been sent to them. One lady said they had prayed and prayed as this church needed repairs on the roof, money to pay the insurance on the building and some office equipment that desperately needed replacing.

All of us had tears of joy running down our faces. Not only had that money helped a church dear to our hearts but also knowing that my dad would be delighted that his memorial could be used in this way.

All of these years later, I still remember how all of this had such an effect on all of us and this memory will be with me all of my life. This hometown church will always be so special to me.

Linda Lyon 

 

 * What’s Your Story? 

This summer, we invited members of our Eastridge community to explore ABCs of Faith: Simple Stories for Complex Times. In this series, we will be exploring stories from the Bible that tell us about God and God’s people. But our faith is also carried through our own stories.

When someone asks, “What’s your story?” they’re asking about the moments that shaped you: the people, experiences, challenges, and turning points that made you who you are. Scripture is full of such stories—and so are we.  

Throughout the series, we’ll offer prompts connected to the themes we’re exploring. You’re invited to share a brief reflection on any prompt that resonates with you—especially a moment that changed your mind, your heart, or your life. Selected stories may be shared (with your permission) in our newsletter, devotionals, or even during worship.