From Judy Thompson - August 1998:

Faith Story August 30, 1998

Last summer I shared part of my faith story on a weekend when my sister, Nancy, and her daughter, Maria, were visiting me from Baraboo, Wisconsin. Some of you are aware that my roots are in Wisconsin, that I have none of my immediate family that is near, so it meant a lot to me to have my sister visit. Not ony did she worship with me, but she sang two songs at the 8:00 service. What a joy it is to know that you have members of your family who share your love of Christ.

I am the second child in a family of eight children, but not all of my sisters and brothers have a personal relationship with Christ. It is a joy, I said, to know that someone shares your love of Christ. If you share that joy, you can also understand the sadness and pain I feel for those members that don't. Out of 8 children, 6 have indicated either a strong or somewhat weak walk with Christ. We all have times in our lives when we have doubts, and where we are in our faith walk determines how we deal with those doubts. Some get stronger, some falter.

My sadness comes from knowing that the two siblings that do not have a walk with Christ are the two brothers in our family. These two men have "good" marriages of more than 25 years and have provided a strong fatherly image in the lives of their children - just like their dad. Both are wonderful brothers who are ready to help my Mom or any of us when needed. So, they are considered "good" men - just like their dad. My dad didn't go to church regularly, nor talk about his faith when I was young. As he got older, he was more regular in his attendance, and liked to inspire discussion about the Bible. But, we children didn't see this in our forming years. We missed out on that additional strength he could have shared with us - and what an inheritance it would have been for us - his children. I know that I am sensitive, because I was married to a man who did not know Christ personally. Like my brothers, he was a "good" man and was a "good" father and loved his children.

Christ showed how much love he had for us by giving up his life that we might be brought back into the family of God. That is still God's plan. In the New Testament book of Ephesians, scripture teaches that husbands should be spiritual leaders in the family. That responsibility seems great, but with it comes a blessing that the whole family receives. It doesn't mean that there aren't problems; It means that when we love God and obey His word, he blesses us with that peace that passes understanding. Our children may not immediately follow in the same path, but if we have been faithful in our own walk, we have set the precedent. I have read that children learn 80% from what we do, and only 20% from what we say.

I wasn't always as outspoken about my love for Christ and I believe that is one of the things that appeared hypocritical to my husband and my children. As many of you know, it is hardest to witness to your own family, especially if you haven't always been in a close relationship with Christ. It can seem hypocritical to an unbeliever when a Christian wavers in his walk - we aren't supposed to falter. Still, as parents, we have the responsibility to continue to bring God's word out into the open. In Deuteronomy 6 Moses speaks, "The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

A plaque from your mother is a good place to start! I thank my Mom for sending me a plaque that hangs on my wall. It has one of Peter Sabin's favorite scriptures and reads: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve;… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." From Joshua 24:15

I want you to know how much I enjoy my extended family of St. Stephen. There are several homes in which I see God's word hanging on little plaques, or embroidered in a pillow or wall hanging. I see fathers and mothers sharing in regular bible study with their friends. I hear of husbands and wives sharing in devotions together and also with their children. May your children treasure that inheritance!

My own children, Barbara and Warren, do not worship regularly. Part of it is my blame - but I cannot focus on the past. I need to "fix my eyes on Jesus", and give thanks for what he has provided me - the chance to show my children what Jesus means to me now! When they come home, I invite them to go to church with me. I will continue to pray for my children and I do let them know I am praying for them. My prayers are that they will find a church - not a building but the people - that will be what you have been to me. Thanks for being my extended family and for being there when I needed a hug, especially through my rough times. Thanks for being supportive as I have served and worshiped with you. You have helped me become stronger in my faith walk by sharing in bible studies and when working on projects together. Thank you for inviting me to attend a Via de Cristo weekend, where I refocused myself on Christ and met some more members of the body of Christ. I say it again… how sweet it is to share that love and joy of Christ with others.

In closing, I issue you a challenge - that you will each think about your own faith walk. Your children and many unbelievers are watching. What do they see? Which way are you going? Away from or toward Christ? Or even worse, are you sitting on the fence?

God loves you, and so do I.