Legacy (Bulletin Article for September 23)

The theme of RUSH 2007 was “Legacy.” The basic idea behind the keynote addresses was that even young people need to think about their reputation (or “name”) and what others will think of them after they leave their school, workplace or even this life. The lessons were all so helpful, and, if our young people really listened, they were given a lot to think about.

As that theme ran through my mind, I started noticing some actions that should make 9th Avenue proud of her “legacy.” In many ways our young people are our legacy. They, by their growth and actions, show to the world what we teach about the Christian life. This past weekend, I was proud to see several showing great things.

First, I was able to (again) “lean on” Wendy Bennett. She placed all our young people who attended in their housing (as she has done for 3 years). While that may not sound like a difficult task, Wendy is also one of the main helpers with RUSH, so placing our young people is an extra task she does, just because it needs to be done. Other young people—Orry Moody, Heather Fortenberry and Justin Burleson—all housed young people, showing kindness and hospitality.

Next, I was handed a copy of the student newspaper of FHU, The Bell Tower. It was given to me for an article about college football. What drew my attention, though, was a front-page article about mission trips taken by Freed-Hardeman students. It was well-written and informative, and should motivate other students to take part in these works. The author? Our own Justin Burleson.

Just a while after reading that article, we were involved in a period of singing praises to God. As we stood and sang, a couple of young people in front of us thought it would be appropriate to clap. One started and immediately stopped. Another continued on, until Kevin Dodd leaned forward, tapped the young person on the shoulder, and simply shook his head. The young person stopped, and, I think, learned something about worship.

Countless acts like these go unnoticed. Our young people are special, and they are special because they continually promote Christian living and they teach, both by words and example. I could tell you of Ariana Hatton, who is teaching a young lady in New Mexico about the Lord. Or about Orry Moody, who soon will “fill in” at the South Haleyville church. And there are so many others who do things “behind the scenes.” We have a legacy, and we should be proud of it.