Leaving a Legacy

I'm gearing up to write my next post on why we chose to adopt from Ethiopia, but for today I'm going to take a short break from adoption talk. Today I am pausing to reflect on the life of an extraordinary man, Pastor Fred Winters.  Two years ago, March 8, 2009, Pastor Fred was killed after a gunman walked into First Baptist Church of Maryville during his morning message and opened fire.  My heart still aches over the untimely loss of such an amazing individual and for the family he left behind.  The events of that day were nothing short of traumatizing and many of the vivid details are still etched in my brain.  However, what interests me much more than remembering how he died, is remembering how he lived. 

A few months back, Mike and I were in the home study process of our adoption.  Our social worker asked us the question, "Who have been the most influential people in your life?"  I answered, "Fred and Cindy Winters."  I told her that we began attending First Baptist Church of Maryville a couple months after we were married and began to build relationships with the Winters family.  I told her how they have been mentors to us throughout the early years of our marriage and parenting. I told her that Fred’s life and death will leave a mark on my life forever and that Cindy is a dear friend whose faith in God, love for others, and strength in the midst of tragedy amazes me. 

We lost a lot on March 8, 2009.  One thing we didn't lose is the legacy Pastor Fred left.  He was loyal, wise, caring, and genuine.  He had a way with people and was able to talk to anyone.  He genuinely cared for others.  He had overcome many hardships in his life and risen above them.  He was incredibly intelligent.  He was consistent.  He had a way of seeing the strengths in people and helping them to build those strengths.  He was a great story teller.  He had vision.  He was faithful.  He was a true example to follow.  He obeyed the command in Luke 10:27 to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself." 

I will never forget Pastor Fred and the legacy he has left for us to follow.  I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to call him my pastor.