For the last few months, my brother and I have been working to move my parents from Louisiana to Tennessee. Mom and Dad’s health took a nosedive last summer and they need to be closer to one of their children. I’ve been making regular trips from Houston to Shreveport to check on them on begin to go through the family home in preparation for the move.
Since our parents have been in the same house for almost 50 years, there is quite a bit of “accumulation.” Though much of it is regular household stuff like gift-wrapping supplies, long-lost Tupperware lids, and manuals for appliances they no longer have, we have also discovered a few treasures that reveal a family legacy of faith.
For instance, back in September, I shared a letter I found from my great-great grandmother to my great-grandfather. She wrote how she prayed daily for him and his family.
I discovered another treasure this past weekend – a crumbling Bible given to that same great-grandfather, Howell Adam Shouse from that same great-great-grandmother Mary Dozier Cash. The inscription is dated March 7, 1910, more than 100 years ago.
Over the last few months, I have discovered several letters, Bibles, and other items that reveal the consistent and persistent faith of Mary Dozier. I’m not sure what Howell Adam did with her legacy, but I know that her name sake and my maternal grandmother, Mary Dozier Shouse Addington, shared her love for Christ.
My grandmother, Mary Addington, shared her grandmother’s name and her faith. And like her grandmother, she constantly talked about Jesus with her grandchildren. That legacy of faith continues with me – Mary Kathryn. I share my grandmother’s name and her faith. I pray I will continue that legacy of faith with my grandchildren.
How can we be purposeful in passing our faith to the generations that follow?
beautiful post Kathy — it reminds me to be purposeful in talking about Jesus with my grandkids. Thank you!
What a precious find! I love that!
Kathy, wouldn’t the world be a much different place if more people had deep Christians roots and treasures to find for the next generation? Your parents were youth sponsors when I was growing up. They have lived decades of faithful service. I’m older than you, but our parents were friends.
I bumped into your parents a few years ago. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how proud they are of you and your brother. They told me about your ministry, and I’ve followed you since that time.
They may be leaving the Shreveport area, but their influence lives on in the lives that they have touched.
I hope the transition goes smoothly.
Jamie
Jamie, thank you so much for commenting! Your parents were indeed sweet friends to my parents. Your father is someone I think of periodically. He was such an example of solid faith and God’s grace. Thank you also for your kind words about may parents. They have deep roots in Shreveport but they are looking forward to being in Knoxville, close to Gary and his family.