The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Four years ago on September 30th, which was my 30th birthday. We received the heartbreaking news that my Grandpa had passed away, at 99 years old. Although I wasn’t ready for him to go, I was thankful that God kept him around long enough to make a profound impact on my life.
Now I get to celebrate my day of birth every year and the day, that the most influential person in my life went home to be with the Lord. There’s so much joy knowing that he now lives on forever with Jesus. He had no doubt in his mind where he was going to spend eternity, and because of that, I have the same peace of mind.
There was a time when I found myself in such a dark place that I doubted I would live to see my 21st birthday or even wanted to. But God had different plans. The turning point came when I began my relationship with Him. God has done a complete 180 in my life over these last thirteen years. It was through God, that I found hope and purpose.
My grandpa played a vital role in this journey, sharing stories about Jesus and farming starting back in 2012. He may not have been able to share any advice on how to farm, but He did share about Jesus which is the most important thing in this life. His wisdom and faith served as a guiding light in my life. He started a farm operation from nothing and always said God could do the same for me.
Because of how my grandpa lived, I’m reminded every single day of the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and telling people about Jesus. Don’t hesitate to share how good our God is and how much He truly loves us. Surrender everything and let the Holy Spirit work through you.
Never be ashamed of the gospel and what God has done for you. You never know the impact your words or stories might have on someone who needs to hear them. God used my grandpa to truly open my eyes to how much God loves us and how powerful He is. Just as my grandpa inspired me, we all have the potential to be vessels of God’s grace and encouragement.
Romans 1:16 says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” God can use anyone to further His kingdom and completely turn someone’s life around. Be bold and courageous for the Lord.
Commit to letting the Holy Spirit work and be bold in our faith every single day, trusting that God can work through us to change lives.
As I reflect on all that God has done, I’m filled with deep gratitude, not only for my grandpa’s legacy, but for the presence of the Holy Spirit, who continues to guide, comfort and empower me daily. It’s the Holy Spirit who gives us the boldness to share our faith, the wisdom to walk in truth and the strength to live out God’s purpose.
Billy Graham once said “ The greatest legacy we can leave our children is not money or possessions, but rather a legacy of faith and character.” Many people focus on leaving behind an inheritance, money, land or material things. But this is a great reminder of what truly matters most. I wasn’t given money or a farm, but I was given something that changed my life for the better, faith and character.
Just as God worked through my grandpa to plant seeds of faith in my heart, I pray He works through each of us to reach others with the love of Christ. May we stay sensitive to His voice, obedient to His promptings and always ready to be used for God’s glory!