Tag Archives: faith

A Man Who Walked by Faith

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The young husband, father, Noble Peace Prize recipient, and Bible-preaching pastor changed history with his courage to stand up for the right thing.

I always tell my children, “It’s okay to stand alone for the right thing.”

A man who walked by faith, and we’re still inspired by his words:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

“Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

And, where did his inspiration and foundation come from?

He was grounded in his faith. He genuinely knew the most perfect love – Jesus – and he passed it on. He didn’t just read the Bible, he followed the example of Jesus’ life and radically lived a life of love.

When I read his quotes, I see his faith.
image10“…let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God.” 1 John 4:7

“There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear.” 1 John 4:18

“Love other people as well as you do yourself. You can’t go wrong when you love others. When you add up everything in the law code, the sum total is love.” Romans 13:10

“Love your enemies … Our Father is kind; you be kind.” Luke 6:35-36

“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it.” Romans 12:9

“Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.” 1 Peter 4:8

“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us.” John 4:17

“And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” Colossians 3:14

“The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love – so you can’t know him if you don’t love.” 1 John 4:8

“’Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:31

What other inspiring MLK, Jr. quotes or correlating Bible verses would you add to this list?

Fully Rely On God (F.R.O.G.)

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I remember reading my friend’s post that her five-year-old son wanted to grow a tomato. He was on hospice care, and she was sick to her stomach thinking … my little boy may not live to see this plant grow a tomato. They planted it, and she prayed.

Her son had been a healthy baby, full of energy and a bright smile. His favorite color was yellow. When he was only three and a half, he started having uncontrollable seizures and then brain surgery which revealed brain cancer.

And just like that … life was never the same again.

Throughout his two years of surgeries, radiation, chemo and being sick from side effects, Jaxon would collect toys and donate to other sick kids. In their deepest, darkest of days, they gave to others. No self-pity. No complaining. Just giving. That’s FULLY relying on God.

On Thanksgiving Day 2012, Jaxon’s first tomato was ripe enough to eat. Jaxon passed away four days later. Much to his mother’s surprise, when she checked the tomato plant on the day Jaxon went to Heaven, another ripe tomato had grown. As she calls it, a “God-wink.”

Jaxon was famous in our community. I would get stopped in the grocery store because someone spotted my “Team Jaxon” shirt. Because of this, there was a public and private memorial service.

I watched Jaxon’s parents graciously stand in front of a large crowd for his public memorial service. His three-year-old sister called his casket a “treasure box.” They spoke eloquently and shared fun family memories. I distinctly remember Jaxon’s dad describing his favorite sandwich hug.

Tears.

When we attended the private memorial service, we drove up to a horse-drawn carriage perfectly-sized for Jaxon’s “treasure box” — I bawled. I thought this small, private service would be much more difficult filled with raw emotions.

Yet again, Jaxon’s parents stood in front thanking us for our support. They shared beautiful, amazing stories of Jaxon loving Jesus, getting baptized and showing love to others. It wasn’t fake or a canned, medicated speech. It was a humble mom and dad who had pain in their eyes, but God in their heart.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13

Jaxon’s mom always has a smile. And, behind that sweet smile, I know there’s been unfathomable pain, heartache and tears. She’s been through the worst thing I can imagine.

Yet, she’s still standing.

Still smiling.

Still giving.

Still living.

She continues to FULLY. RELY. ON. GOD.

And, only God could give that kind of strength.

Jaxon leaves a legacy of giving. His parents continue their work with Jaxon’s F.R.O.G. Foundation (http://www.jaxonsfrogfoundation.com/). You can also follow them on FB @ Team Jaxon – FROG.

Just like that new tomato on his plant, Jaxon’s family welcomed sweet little brother, Maddox, on March 21st! God is not only the giver of eternal pain-free life, but He continues to give new blessings in this life.