This may be a very common concern: we do not want to be forgotten. Many go to great lengths to be remembered, creating the larger cemetery monuments, establishing endowments in their names, and seeing to it that named bridges, roads, and buildings continue their memory. And who intends to forget them? But it often happens, nonetheless.
"Living Light" is a focus of writing to preserve memory, specifically on what made each of the strongest influences in my life most memorable to me. Glimpses of the life of each of these individuals are presented in such a way as to illustrate the Light of faith I saw shining through their life. These of whom you may read, were all significant, unique, Living Lights in my life.
As I pondered and worked to complete this set of writings, I could begin to see better the connection and influence of each of these individuals in what I think today, and in all I was writing. Clearly, to me it was time to build this anthology of memory.
The writing of each entry is meant to honor and preserve the memory of the person whose story I am telling. But, the greater inspiration to write this comes from the pages of the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is recorded saying, in chapter 5, verse 6, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." The "works" of each of these individuals became Living Light to me, shining on steps of the "Way of Light" that is revealed as the best way of life for our travels here and now. I am so grateful to The Father for each one of these people who have been so very significant in my life, and I write that their works may shine on.
Yes, I have written in the hope that the people, about whom these words are written, will not be forgotten. In recognizing the Light that each of these individuals was able to shine in his or her unique way, the greatest hope is that God will be glorified through the stories of their lives.