Salt Leaven and Light

Today being the 158th Anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s death, I thought I would post a simple tribute to him—just a little something I scribbled down on paper while at church a few years ago.

WOUNDED MINISTERS: THREE LIVES THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE

Recently, I read about three individuals who devoted their lives to selfless service, even as they were enduring some of the most excruciating trials of their lives.

The first was Abraham Lincoln. After suffering a shocking loss in the first battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Bull Run, Lincoln, who was feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, stayed up all night drafting a plan for how to move forward in the war. Then, he went to visit the injured soldiers.

“He was ministering,” my daughter said, with a twinkle in her eyes.

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Yes! He lost himself in the service of others–even in the midst of his personal turmoil–setting an example for the rest of us to follow. And what an exemplary life he lived! His character was one worth emulating. What a great man! Learn more about Abraham Lincoln here.

The second person who dedicated themselves to a life of service was my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Heiner. I recently learned of her passing, and her obituary shed some light into the remarkable life that she led. She married the love of her life in the 1940’s with whom she had two children. She lived in the same small town her entire life, with the exception of the three years she spent at school getting her teaching degree. Sadly, in 1945, her husband was killed in World War II. After her husband passed away, she began teaching school. A new neighbor, who had moved from California, became her second husband. He later passed away leaving her a widow for a second time. She remained a faithful member of the church, ministering to others on a regular basis. Of course, as a nine-year-old girl, I never knew any of this. All I knew was that she was everyone’s favorite teacher–kind, encouraging, patient, and, Oh! so much fun! Since learning of her quiet, yet remarkable life, she has become one of my role models. Thank you, Mrs. Heiner, for your remarkable legacy of faith, endurance, and love!

The third person to make an indelible impression on me for their life spent in the service of others was Leon Leyson, a man who spent his childhood in Concentration Camps during WWII. He was freed, thanks to Schindler’s list, and, despite his painful upbringing, went on to lead a life filled with joy. He was a family man, who brought great happiness to his wife and children. He was an educated man, who taught at a University and earned the respect and friendship of his students and colleagues. He was a humble man, who spent his life inspiring young people. Rather than dwelling on his most unfortunate past, he chose to make a positive difference in the lives of those around him. So often it is the quiet lives of those around us that are the most remarkable. Read Leon Leyson’s story here.

The examples of these three individuals strengthen my resolve to lighten another’s load, even when my own load seems heavy.