Continuing a Legacy
You don’t see many legacies anymore. Jesus is a legacy himself and has called us to carry on His Legacy but yet so many people want to go their own ways. So, what really is a legacy? Legacy means that you continue to carry on with the work, values, or traditions of someone or something that came before you and ensuring their impact and influence endures. It’s about honoring the past while shaping the future.
But then ever so often you come across some special people that have made it their life mission to carry the legacy of Jesus. Real, authentic, genuine love for Jesus and lay their lives down for the mission.
My mother-in-law, Carol (kids called her Mrs. D) was that person that created a legacy. She took her call seriously from God and created something beautiful. She was a house parent with her husband Jerry for 26 years at the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home. Caring for children was her calling and Carol made a home for so many that didn’t have a home and didn’t feel love, including myself. Isn’t that what we all long for? A home. Carol made a home to so many, you could since the presence of Jesus. Her home was one of community, love and acceptance no matter where you came from. It was amazing to see some of the children that she helped raise grow up and later come back to visit Carol and Jerry and they would bring their own kids to meet them! Now that’s Kingdom impact!
Unfortunately, we lost Carol to cancer in 2013. God had decided that Carol had accomplished what He needed her to do and called her home.
It has been quite some time since Carol went to be with the Lord, and I often think what her son Jon and I can do to carry on the Legacy of Carol. Really not just the legacy of Carol but to carry on what Jesus has commissioned all of his followers to do. I often think of Isaiah 1:17.
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
See Jon and I have been on the opposite sides of this verse. His mother lived out Isaiah 1:17 and Jon got to see his mother in action and grew up in church and the Word. I, on the other hand, was on the other end of that verse. I didn’t grow up in church and I met Carol when I had no parents, and my mother was a hurting widow.
It wasn’t a coincidence when I met Carol. God knew exactly what I needed, and he added her wonderful son along with the package. He is just like her, and I see her in so much he does and how he lives his life.
So, all that being said Jon and I want to continue in this same work. Not too long ago, we came across an organization called Isaiah 117 House. Isaiah 117 is an organization that provides a comforting home for children that have been removed from their own homes out of concern and safety. Usually, children are brought to a cold welfare office while they are looking to be placed with foster parents. Usually these children are scared, lonely and have nothing when they show up to these offices, but Isaiah 117 House provides instead a real home that is safe and provides new and clean necessities a child needs, likes clothes, toys, snuggly blankets, smiling and warm faces. These children can get the proper care they need in the meantime while the proper paperwork and a good placement is found. Isaiah 117 House was founded in 2017 by the Paulson family and now they have many other Isaiah houses all over the county and still growing!
Partnering
Jon and I would like to partner with the Isaiah House and help this wonderful organization continue to grow. In doing so any donations through Faith Not Fear will go to Isaiah House and 20% of ALL merch that is bought through our website will go straight to them as well. We believe this is a good start to honoring Carol as we continue to grow and God leads us on the steps and right directions; he wants us to take.
The Future
I believe we make a difference in the world by investing our time and energy into our communities. Even if it’s going right outside our doors to our neighbors we live next too. I believe when we do this is where we can make an impact for the Kingdom of God! But in a world where everyone is consumed in their own affairs we have gotten away from community. Community was such a huge part of Jesus ministry so why should it be any different for us?
Our Goals
If you are felt led by the Lord to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Also, we as a family have started our very own sweet treats business! It is a work in progress, but I tell you right now you try one of my husband’s amazing cookies, you will be back for more! They are dangerously good! He is quite the chef! 20% of the proceeds for Dyers Sweet Treats will be going to help
We hope we grow into our own and God blesses this ministry and adventure we have started to embark on. We would love for you to join the ride!