Surrounded by Saints

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a 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." Hebrews 12:1

A week ago today was All Saints Day. It's a day to recognize and remember those saints that have gone before us in the last year. Some churches have an All Saints Service and light candles for those that have finished the race. Since All Saints Day, two saints in my life have passed on. Daisy Gibson was the widow of Douglous Gibson, the Paster Emeritus of First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, our mother church. Daisy defined class. She always looked put together, always wore a smile, and always carried herself with grace. You were encouraged when you were around Daisy. Kenneth Lad is another saint from my past that died this week. Mr. Lad seemed old when I was 7, so he must've been really old now. Mr. Lad was the only male teacher in my Children's Church growing up. When I think of him, I think of red kool-aid and those little butter cookies you can stick on your finger. I can see him standing in the doorway of our snack room while we ate before going up for our lesson. He was the epitome of a sweet man. He was gentle, loved the Lord and loved working with children.

Saints really are real. I'll bet you've had a few in your life. The passage from Hebrews reminds us that those saints surround us. Their memory and impact envelopes us and encourages us. Their lives prove that it CAN be done. We can run this race for Christ. We can finish the course. It CAN be done right. We CAN carry ourselves with dignity, grace, class and gentleness. People like Kenneth Lad and Daisy Gibson did it, and we can do it, too. We honor those that have poured their lives into ours when we forge ahead amidst struggle. The message is clear from the Apostle Paul. Get rid of all the stuff that is holding you back, the stuff that is hindering your walk with Christ and your purpose in life. Set your compass to true north and run the race you were designed to run it. And when you think you can go no more or you don't have what it takes, remember that there have been saints who believed in you, invested in you, and loved you. They did it. You can to. It's a long race. You don't have to win it today, but run to win the stretch before you this day. Then, do it again tomorrow. You and your future are worth it.