CONTENTS May/June 2003
Features
War, Peace, and United Methodism Good News responds to the situation in Iraq
Why Have You Forsaken Me? At the cross, disappointed hearts can find renewal, according to Steve Seamands
Why I Am (Even Yet!) a United Methodist It is grace and grateful loyalty that keep Will Willimon in the denomination
Renewing the Church Diane Knippers combats post-modern "cafeteria religion"
John Wesley & Just WarPeter R. McGuire addresses the ongoing disconnect between modern United Methodism and its founder
First to Pray! Chaplains Lead the Way They are representives of the holy, Kathy L. Gilbert affirms, often in the most unholy of places
God and Man in the Oval Office Fred Barnes appreciates the delicate balance of personal faith in public leadership
COLUMNS Editorial The Ties that Bind
The Next Generation Pluralism: Growing Up in a World Where There is No Wrong
Renew Women's Network A Tribute to My Mom
The Great Commission Citizens of Heaven with American Passports
From the Heart Tevia's Question
DEPARTMENTSStraight Talk
NewsComplaints dismissed against Bishop Sprague
Lambrecht responds to dismissal of Sprague complaint
Dunnam speaks out on Asbury Seminary flag flap
"I was wrong about the war in Iraq," says pastor
My Mom, Sara Carter, went to be with the Lord on the evening of October 10, 2002. That very morning she had dreamed of her death. When I entered her hospital room, she had just awakened from her dream and was looking out the window at a cloudy sky, blocked by the hospital roof line. She said, “Look at God’s beautiful trees and God’s beautiful sky.” Mom was already seeing things from a far different view than the earthly one.
What a precious Mom I was blessed to have! She loved me with an intense mother’s love that undergirded me every day, and still does. She prayed for me more passionately than any other person ever could. She even fussed at God about why He did not heal my voice, for, after all, she would certainly do so if she could.
My Mom was a simple woman. She was not well-educated, nor wealthy. She had come through many trials and personal difficulties in her life. But, she was good and kind and giving. She put herself out for others, especially her family. She was transparent and honest—childlike. There was not a hint of duplicity in her. Above all, she loved the Lord, simply and forthrightly. Her faith was a part of the everyday fabric of her life. She greatly valued her church and church family—they loved her, and she loved them.
Mom was also wise. She could see through the antics of her children and grandchildren, and was never hesitant to reign them in when needed. But, she also played with the grandchildren, and orchestrated programs for them to perform at family gatherings.
She understood the hurts of life that take a toll upon the human soul, and was a wonderful counselor to many who asked her advice about hard things. She invariably pointed them to God as their ultimate source of hope and healing.
My mom was a wonderful country cook. Her meals were soul feasts, full of good taste and lots of calories. It delighted her when the recipients of her bounty asked for seconds. There was always dessert.
Sarah Carter was a good steward of her resources. After all, she had grown up poor on an Alabama farm, and had gone through the Great Depression. She had worked in a cotton mill as a young woman to help with the expenses at home for a family of ten. But, part of her stewardship meant faithful offerings to her church, and contributions to special projects.
My mom’s will stipulated, “Believing that all that I possess is a good gift of God, I give, devise and bequeath a tithe of ten percent of my final liquid assets as follows….” Mom’s church and the RENEW Network were listed as recipients of her final tithe.
Thank you, Mom, for remembering the work of the Lord in your will. Thank you for wanting to bless the ministry of RENEW and your church with your final material gift.
In my mind I see your happy face and beautiful smile when you greeted me after I returned home from a trip, or just came by to visit. I miss you. I love you. I shall see you someday in that land where God’s beautiful sky and God’s beautiful trees are everlasting.
Personal Note: My husband and I have designated a portion of our estate to several named religious organizations. We also have included our personal testimonies of our faith in Jesus Christ as a part of our wills, and have stated our love and appreciation for each other. After all, this document is our “Last Will and Testament.” It is our final opportunity to speak and share our souls with others. It is our last chance to invite others to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is the final time we can stipulate where our material possessions will go.
I hope you will consider including the work of God’s kingdom in your will or estate planning. Don’t forget to include UM renewal groups, such as RENEW and Good News, in your final act of giving.
RENEW is the women’s program arm of Good News. Visit our website at www.renewnetwork.org or call (706) 778-4812.
Click here to send your response plus the title of this article to us at Good News.