Dear Brothers and Sisters,

“If I didn’t have those people back there, I would never have had anything to write about. That’s where I got all my stories from. My life is from them. …I’m going to do everything to keep up for them, in memory. That is my duty from now until I die.” -- Author Ernest J. Gaines explaining why he takes care of an old cemetery on the former plantation where five generations of his ancestors, going back to slavery, are buried. (Source: New York Times)

Let us always remember the Saints (forgiven sinners who have shaped our faith) who have gone on to the Kingdom that is to come ahead of us.

If possible, find a way to walk a cemetery that is filled with the graves of those who handed the faith on to you. Try, if possible, to walk the sacred ground with a guide who can share stories you have not heard, and remind you of others you have perhaps forgotten. You will come to better know the mystery of “…Blessed are those who mourn….” (Matthew 5:4)

Still in one peace,

David J. Jensen