October 17, 2020

October 17, 2020

Sharing from our congregation – Sue Biggerstaff

 She did what she could. -  Mark14:8

One Sunday Sam read a letter from Minnie Alcorn.  Minnie was a WWll nurse on a ship that transported wounded troops from Europe to a Charleston hospital.  On one occasion they traveled through land mines while coming into the harbor.  We can only imagine the courage and faith it must have taken to make it through.

At the age of 100, Minnie has lead an incredible life.  Her parents came to the United States as immigrants from England, and she has done an extensive genealogy of her family.  Those of us who have been fortunate enough to hear her many life stories have been truly blessed.  She has encouraged us with her faith, her sense of humor, and her love of life. 

Each week she sends the Daily Encourager  to people in South America and several places in the United States.  We have all enjoyed Sam's encouraging remarks but few of us have thought that they might brighten someone else's day.  I'm sure Minnie did not have to think long to decide that this was something she wanted to share with others.

There is a story in Mark's gospel about a woman who came to see Jesus.  She brought with her a jar of expensive perfume.  The disciples criticized her for being wasteful, but Jesus responded by saying, "She did what she could."  What a good lesson for us. Minnie, during her long life, has done what she could and then went further. 

The pandemic restrictions have kept us from our usual activities.  We can no longer visit nursing facilities and hospitals.  We have become afraid to visit some of our friends in their homes.  Perhaps we should stop worrying so much about what we can't do and and focus on what we can do. We need to think of caring ways to let people know they are important and remembered.

Mark Twain once said, "The way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everyone else up."  Let's follow Minnie's example and do what we can.

Gracefully Submitted,
Sue Biggerstaff