When I saw this quote (author unknown), it really struck a chord with me.
I was working on my Life Story photobook at the time, so I was reminded of the legacy of all 4 of my grandparents whom I loved dearly.
The audio cassette tape I made of my grandfather in his 80’s was a fortuitous “last minute” whim of mine when we were all at my parents’ home. What a treasure and reminder it became for me.
He was born in a one-room, half-dugout, half soddy in 1896 in Indian Territory (later to become Oklahoma). He shared some of his stories as the fourth of 7 boys, of his ranch-hand years growing up, with only a mention of his service in France in the trenches during WWI (we could not get him to share much more). I knew from others his life-long character of integrity and loyalty (handed down to my father who passed along to us similar character traits by his life example).
And then reading a Henry Blackaby devotional based on this scripture prompted me further:
“Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Isaiah 51:1
Blackaby pointed out:
As Christians, we ought never to overlook our heritage. It helps us to understand our identity, and it gives us a sense of where God is leading us.
He goes on to describe how the Israelites had a rich heritage and, of course, their nation began as a result of Abraham and Sarah’s faithfulness.
His outline of the biblical history going back through all the times God showed favor on the Israelites was powerful – naming strong leaders such as Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Deborah, Samuel, David, and Solomon as well as mighty prophets. But they had forgotten their heritage and lived as spiritual paupers.
Blackaby reminds us of our spiritual heritage which is even richer than that of Isaiah’s generation — down to Mary the mother of Jesus, John the Baptist, the disciples, the apostle Paul and a host of saints. Even more important is Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith.
It is a strong reminder of our obedience today providing a legacy of faithfulness to the generations that follow. That is a strong motivator in my work of teaching people to pull together their Life Story photo book (or a loved one’s Life Story).
Then, very recently, I saw a video training by Melanie Radko which vividly provided a wonderful illustration of the point of remembering who shaped us. And if they are still with us – blessing them.
Her dad’s declining health prompted this as she began to realize she would not be able to get his full story. Like a true scrapbooker, she was plodding through her photo album projects chronologically — she was still in 2009.
However, Father’s day for June, 2021, was upon her. A recent car accident revealed her dad had advanced dementia. But her 2021 pictures were mostly of hospital gowns, nursing home visits, etc.
So she skipped back through the years and found the only child photo she had of him – he was in a German labor camp. She jumped to his Air Force days pulling out a picture of him in a uniform. Then she put the latest photo of him in a happy, healthy-looking pose. She created the collage and had it printed on a canvas.
Here it is with this inscription (in case you can’t read it):
Born into war, labor camps, and starvation, my dad found the courage to become a celebrated military veteran, amazing father, and stellar grandfather. He has lived a life that no one could imagine and still found hope and faith to find his American dream. I’m so proud of you and love you forever.
She took it to her dad in the nursing home. He was delighted with it – and asked “who is that little boy?”. She told him “Dad, that’s you” and then he said “OK, I remember.” And he did. She said he now shows this picture to all the residents at the nursing home.
Have you looked to the rock from which you were cut? … to the quarry from which you were dug? What are the stories and who are those who have come before you that have shaped you?
We never want to overlook our heritage and where God is leading us – and memorializing it for those who come after us!
