Faith … The Greatest Legacy

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Our world is desperate for peace and lost without God. How can we change the disorder created by this lack of faith and the brokenness of God’s family?  Saint Mother Teresa challenged us with this thought, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”

There is a reason God created each person with individual talents. To fully participate in life, we must allow others to let their gifts shine, which will reveal the harmony we are seeking.  I have always been an observer more than a follower.  I enjoy seeing people become a part of God’s plan with specific abilities.  It seems that it has become very popular today to be oppositional, and we have become a disrespectful society.  This could have devastating consequences for future generations.

As a little girl, I observed the way people lived their lives; whether I was watching mistakes or successes, each observation was tucked away for my own future plans.  My greatest mentor was my maternal grandmother, Thelma (Pat) Adams.  She attended Mass every morning and lived her faith most often without speaking a word.  She gave what little she had without expecting anything in return.  She was widowed at a very young age, and filled that void with family and Church.  She was a housekeeper for several different priests at two different parish rectories.  I loved watching her fix breakfast for them after we attended morning Mass together.  She provided me with the greatest legacy – Catholic faith.  I remember asking her after my First Holy Communion what an indulgence was, which I had read about in my prayer book.  She answered, “Every good thing you do in your life will get you closer to heaven.”   She was a very GRAND parent!

In 1977, I became a Mom for the first time.  This awe-inspiring experience brought new meaning to my life.  In my arms I held a gift we had co-created with God, and He was entrusting us with the responsibility of nurturing this soul!  I realized very quickly that without God’s help, this was going to be a real challenge.  I became increasingly grateful for my faith.

In 2012, I became a grandparent and was so excited to share life experiences with my grandchildren.  I was eager to be the storyteller without changing the facts of history ... the good with the bad.  I was looking forward to reading fairy tales, and explaining the moral to the story without sensationalizing the villain.  Most of all I was enthused about sharing my incredible love of God with these precious little gifts.  I understand why God wants us to be like little children.  Their eagerness to learn and explore truth is amazing.  Short answers most often lead to more questions.  Retention is not a problem because they are free of worry and responsibility, so they are like sponges absorbing all they can grasp.  Never assume that they are too young to comprehend God’s love through scripture, sacrament, prayer and the lives of the saints.  What better inheritance could you possibly give them?

Truth can be brutal, but we have nothing to fear if we know, love and serve God!  The safest space in the world is the sanctuary of a church in the Presence of God!  The reality is that we do live in a scary world.  Parents are rightfully concerned and prepare for the physical safety of their children, but often fall short in understanding the importance of nurturing the spirit of the child with love of God.  Teach your children to be observant by following Jesus!  Go home and love your family!  

“Hope is the anchor of our soul” (Hebrew 6:19).   Amen!