A Good Name…or Not
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1
Today I was reminded of the importance of a “good name.”
I attended our annual family reunion – the first reunion without my Daddy. Surreal as it was, I was grateful for a day that reminded me who I am and where I come from.
Our reunion started with a church service. We sang the hymns that our aunt and uncles love. Then a cousin who serves on the mission field shared his family’s work in a foreign land. Our service concluded with praying around my mother who has dealt with the death of my dad and her own serious health issues.
As we sang the concluding hymn, through tears, my heart sang with thankfulness of my past and those who had paved the way for me to be where I was at this moment – a Davis.
To be a “Davis” means honest, hardworking, and God-seeking. There were seeds planted by my grandparents of several generations that led to what I experienced today at this reunion. Seeds of prayer and faithfulness to God. I am proud to have “Davis” as part of my name.
I realize everyone does not have this same experience. There is hurt, irresponsibility, and maybe even abuse associated with their family name. I know I cannot accurately feel their pain.
However, I do know the One who can heal broken lives, restore divided families, and provide needful forgiveness toward a new direction. It’s been said that we can’t change our past, but we can start today to change our future. But I would add that Jesus CAN heal our past, and direct us today to a new future. A future where our name will be a good thing for those who come after us.
After lunch today, we traveled a few miles to the family farm that is over 100 years old. Trees are planted at the death of each child who was born on this farm. Here are pictures from that:
Groundbreaking for the tree
Placing the tree in the ground.
Even little great grandsons can help
My brother and me with my mom – and our tree for Daddy!
This tree we planted today will be around for future generations to see. I pray I will plant seeds of a “good name” for my children and grandchildren – and generations to come. What about you?
How absolutely heart warming. You have an awesome family and I am glad and blessed to know all of you
Love you girl!
What a beautiful post, Karen! I’m so glad you planted a tree for your daddy and you have a wonderful legacy to pass on.
Thankful for what has gone before me – and thankful for future generations. We start thinking like that the older we get 🙂
Yes, love this! “Jesus CAN heal our past, and direct us today to a new future. A future where our name will be a good thing for those who come after us.”
Planting a tree – that is a really cool memorial! 🙂 It is good to see you and your mama smiling in the picture.
I have to confess the tree idea was my cousins’ idea – the ones who grew up on the family farm. But – yes, it’s a very memorable experience! Can’t wait to go back next year and see how much it’s grown.