Ridgell's Originals

 They are not really very much alike.  Except they were part of my church family, they all loved Jesus, and they all went home forever this week.  

And they each helped me love Jesus and taught me something about following him.

Charlotte had battled health issues for a long time.  And like all of us, life was sometimes a struggle for her.  But she always fought for her faith.  I love faith fighters.  She was unfailingly sweet and upbeat when I saw her out in town.  And she was one of the all-time great card writers.  She wrote dozens of cards to my in-laws during their last few years here.  And now they are all hanging out in heaven.  That is a great legacy.  Fight your battles, stay positive, and encourage others.

Nathan and I served together as elders for about five years.  He genuinely loved people, he was a good Bible student, and he wanted others to follow Jesus.  He was a great hospital visitor.  Checked in on people.  Showed up at funerals.  When he was up in ICU his family would communicate with several of us by a group text.  They were consistent in asking for prayers, but also consistent in their conviction that Nathan would be OK whatever happened.  It is one thing for you to have faith.  It is another to see that faith reflected in your family.  Love Jesus, love others, love your family.  Try to get everyone to heaven.  Great legacy.

Dianna and her husband Jerry were not as well known at church.  Unable to attend the last several years because of her health issues.  But they were among our greatest ministers.  She got them involved several years ago working with the Bhutanese at church.  They were part of a core group of 15-20 that were really involved.  Teaching English, helping with job applications and interviews, and studying the Bible.  And when she could not go to them, they started having them over to their house.  Lots and lots of Bhutanese are part of the Kingdom of God now and she was a part of that.

I hear a lot of talk about changing the world and how that can happen.  Programs.  Laws.  Money.  Elections.  

Or you could be like Charlotte, Nathan, and Dianna.  They each were world changers in their own way.  

I want to be more like them.

And I am really glad I will get to hang out with them all again someday.

Forever.

# posted by Steve @ 6:00 AM