#ElevatedFriday, May 18th, 2018

Happy Elevated Friday! Today we highlight the story of a widower who chose to bless others as a final act for his wife. Danny and Betty Roberson were happily married for sixteen years before cancer struck their marriage. To make matters worse, after chemotherapy did little to stop the spread of the terrible disease in Betty, Danny was also diagnosed with cancer. However so deep was his love for Betty, Danny refused treatment so they could pour all their finances into Betty’s treatment. But after Betty’s passing, Danny did seek treatment and, thankfully, now is in recovery. What makes this story so touching, though, is what Danny did with the $10,000 life insurance payout he received following his beloved wife’s death. Danny chose to honor God and his wife by donating it to the charity RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit that buys out medical debt for needy people for pennies on the dollar. This $10,000 donation covered roughly $1 million dollars in medical debt. When asked abut his donation, Danny said, “When they go out and see that RIP medical envelope in their mail box, I know God is blessing them and I know Betty may have had a little bit to do with that.”

We have all dealt with death in our lives, whether from parents, friends, family, spouses, or children. Facing the memories of our loved ones when they are gone can be bittersweet, as they remind us of both how much we loved them and how much we miss them. While we may remember the funny little quirks about them or certain experiences we shared with them, most people wish to be remembered as having been a blessing to others. Paul begins his letter to the Church in Philippi by saying, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” While the Church at that time was full of living people, that verse can apply to both the living and the dead. When we have lived a life of faith and been a blessing to others, what better way is there to be remembered than for those we leave behind to thank God for the life we lived? What better way to leave this world than to have your memory forever glorify God? Today, pray on this verse in Philippians and consider how you can steer your life’s course to be remembered as a means of glorification of God.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1: 3 NIV

Original Article:

https://bit.ly/2jYXj22