Weekly Thought – June 19, 2018
Fred spoke to a men’s group and mentioned if his family were aristocratic enough to have a crest it would have Be A Blessing as the motto. A package arrived a few weeks later with a framed, colorful graphic crest bearing symbols representative of Fred’s life and emblazoned with the words Be A Blessing (in English). He always wondered what the Latin would be. If any scholars have the answer I am sure BWF would appreciate adding that to the archives.
Thank you for your continued support. The plans for Asbury University September 21,22 are firming up well. Keep on praying for the team members, the steering committee at Asbury, and the students who will be participating in the What’s Next Roundtable.
Be A Blessing
Our grandson Jeff Horch prepared to leave for Russia to do a video documentary. He said, “Pray for me, Mom.” She answered, “Be a Blessing.” She internalized what Mary Alice and I always wanted for our children – that they find their uniqueness and use it to bless others.
I thought about Dick Halverson’s comment that Jesus didn’t have a day planner, but simply went about doing good. On His way to heal a dead child He stopped for a woman who received healing from a long-term disease simply by touching His garment. We never know how a small blessing will grow. Giant oaks from small acorns grow.
As I remember the story, our friends Cliff and Billie Barrows were stopping in the home of sisters who invited them to go to the church where a young man was preaching. When they got there they needed a song leader and pianist. So, they volunteered to help. The young man preaching was Billy Graham. As association began that night that has influenced the entire world. Those sisters were a blessing.
Again, on a snowy night when the visiting preacher could not get through the storm a layman stood and read scripture to the scant audience. That was the night Charles Haddon Spurgeon made a profession of faith in Christ. A small acorn was planted that night that grew mightily.
If each Christian started the day by praying, “Lord, make me a blessing” what a difference it would make in our world. First, we have to have our lives opened to others; then we have to be looking for opportunities; and finally, we must take action. Good intentions are never enough. Can we be honest enough to ask ourselves every night – have I been a blessing?
(Editor’s note: When the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute developed a mission the purpose became: “Stretching and Blessing the Next Generation of Leaders… to the glory of God.” Fred wanted his epitaph to be “He stretched others” and “Be a Blessing” as a family motto.)
This week think about: 1) Who has been a blessing in my life? 2) When was the last time I said thank you to those who bless me? 3) How have I been intentional in blessing others?
Words of Wisdom: “Giant oaks from small acorns grow.”
Wisdom from the Word: Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3 NET Bible)