Elizabeth II of Great Britain died last week. Her passing has evoked remembrances of my mother. They were only two years apart at birth, but there were similarities in their characters that speak to my current life challenges. The examples they both set encourage me to forge ahead.
First, my mother and the queen shared the faith I have chosen. They were both Christians. Understanding where your help comes from gives you the hope to ask for what you need. God is faithful to those who believe.
Second, these women chose to live a moral life. They chose good over evil, right over wrong. Their faith gave them the standard to aim for in their lives. They demonstrated to the world that choosing good and right ways of living is a blessing to oneself and to others.
Third, they chose to love others. They both served others first: Mother her family and students, Elizabeth her people and family. Making sacrifices is a lifestyle that demonstrates the love Jesus described.
Matthew 22: 37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ NIV
The examples these women set from the time I was small impact my choices. After choosing faith, I chose to live a life that honors God (not perfectly but by grace), and I chose to serve others, especially family, at work, and in my faith community. The choice of serving continues as I work toward establishing a new faith community in my new city. May I continue as the writer of Hebrews entreats us:
Hebrew 12:1-2A Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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