I slid into my car after running errands, turned on The Message XM station, and started to drive.  The very next song played had the above title, “What Are You Waiting For?” I knew immediately that God had spoken to me with this question and I thought He might to you as well.

How would you answer this question when it comes to going and telling about Jesus? When it has to do with evangelism?  When it deals with sowing seeds of truth?  When it addresses building relationships, etc.?

Does it strike fear in your heart when your church talks about going door-to-door to visit strangers to tell them about Jesus?  It certainly does in mine!  Growing up I remember my dad going on Thursday nights with other men to visit homes of people he did not know.  Times have certainly changed, haven’t they?  Some may still do visitation weekly like that but with the culture today most people won’t answer the door to someone they don’t know. That doesn’t change our mission though, does it?  Jesus said, “Go and Tell.” 

As I think about the theme of Go and Tell, it kind of makes my chest get tight.  I am more of a “Come, and I Will Tell You” girl. Come to Sunday School, I teach that.  Come to Ladies Bible Study, I can lead a session.  Come to Kids Bible Club, I will be there too.  But Go and Tell…does that really mean me?

My sister was born when I was 11. She came along a little later in life for mom and dad. With two older siblings, and experienced parents, she was destined for an extraordinary childhood. She was a toy for my brother and myself. If a baby could remember events from infancy, she could tell you of the time she was lying in my lap, and somehow slipped off onto the floor and bumped her head.

“The pastor mentioned an outreach program, but who’s he talking to? We don’t even have any other preachers in this church that I know of. Seriously, he ought to change his subject if he wants the members to pay attention. Jesus was talking to the apostles in Matthew 28:18-20. That wouldn’t include the ordinary church member, just pastors. Right?”

Have thoughts like this run through your mind before?

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” This wise saying, attributed to Benjamin Franklin, is one I have always taken to heart. Given an assignment, I always jumped right in and finished it early.  On the other hand, my entire family prefers Mark Twain’s version which says, “Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do day after tomorrow!”  The emphasis of this proverb is to avoid procrastination. Don’t delay in doing what needs to be done. Do it today! That’s what the Lord expects.

Our youngest son is getting married…in 11 days. He is 27 years old and he has known since the 4th date this was the girl for him. They have gone to marriage counseling. She was raised in church by great parents. On paper, they should have the perfect foundation. But this morning, during my quiet time, momma panic set in.

“You may be the only Bible someone reads.” “Actions speak louder than words.” Sometimes we hear these things and take them a little too literally. At least, I know I do. For years, I knew I was saved, and I tried to live as best as I could, so I thought my example was enough to show the world that they all need Jesus. Then several years ago, someone said, “If you never explain that you are only able to live that way because of Jesus and what He did for you, then the world just thinks you’re a goody two shoes and can’t see Jesus in you.” That was like having ice water thrown in my face. It woke me up; however, I still forget sometimes. So, what does that mean we should do?

Where did this past year go?  I cannot believe this is my last blog post about A Lasting Legacy.  When I set this theme last year at the National WMA meeting in Branson, my thoughts were consumed with ways to improve my legacy for those, particularly my four grandchildren, who are coming behind me.