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.
