What's in a Name?

Hey, there! I knew it had been a little while since we had posted, but it wasn't until I began to write that I realized it had been over 4 years! I suppose we've been a little busy. We all have. The world went crazy. Literally. Maybe we can all breathe easier now. Well...here in Tennessee we aren't really breathing easier due to pollen and weather changes, but you know what I mean.

We've had some big changes over the past four years, and some small ones as well. In trying to be open to God's will for us, I'm continually discovering new truths. One of the biggest changes is: WE GOT SHEEP! This is huge for our cattle raising family. I'm so excited. God really surprised me with this one, and I can't wait to see where he takes us with it. We've also decided to take a break from cattle for now. This wasn't an easy decision, but we believe it is best. I've discovered that God doesn't always close doors forever. Sometimes He simply says, "Not right now." That's difficult to remember sometimes when an "all or nothing" mentality creeps into our heads.

The process of letting go of the cattle and other dreams has brought up many questions. One of those questions is in regard to how people attempt to make their name known in this world. What are we known for? How will we be remembered? Will we be remembered? It's a rabbit hole, but I've never been scared of those.

One of my favorite songs is "Only Jesus" by Casting Crowns. The first time I heard it, it convicted me big time. Like many great praise songs, however, it challenged and encouraged me. It's one of those songs that by the end you are belting it out at the top of your lungs with tears steaming down your face. It also gives great perspective on our legacy.

Only Jesus by Casting Crowns

"Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself

Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else

Make a name the world remembers

But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams

I got lost in the light when it was up to me

To make a name the world remembers

But Jesus is the only name to remember

And I, I don't want to leave a legacy

I don't care if they remember me

Only Jesus

And I, I've only got one life to live

I'll let every second point to Him

Only Jesus

All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won

Will crumble into dust when it's said and done

'Cause all that really mattered

Did I live the truth to the ones I love?

Was my life the proof that there is only One

Whose name will last forever?

And I, I don't want to leave a legacy

I don't care if they remember me

Only Jesus

And I, I've only got one life to live

I'll let every second point to Him

Only Jesus

Jesus is the only name

Jesus is the only name

Jesus is the only name to remember, oh

Jesus is the only name

Jesus is the only name

Jesus is the only name to remember

And I, I don't want to leave a legacy

I don't care if they remember me

Only Jesus

And I, I've only got one life to live

I'll let every second point to Him

Only Jesus

I don't want to leave a legacy

I don't care if they remember me

Only Jesus"

When all is said and done, when our lives are over, in 150 years, if we are only remembered for being cattle farmers, we have failed. If our great, great, great grandkids know more about our farming practices than our faith, we have failed. If our kids and grandkids think our passion was anything other than serving the Lord, WE HAVE FAILED! Generations from now, our legacy should be: They loved Jesus and told others about Him. That's it. If my tombstone only reads, "Here lies a sinner, saved by the blood of Jesus," that should be enough.

That's a hard place to get to mentally, y'all. I wasn't taught that in college. Not one of my MBA professors said anything remotely close to that. All their advice was how to make it to the top of the business world, earn a great deal of money and make a name for yourself in the process. It's so easy to get caught up in the rat race. On the flip side, it's also difficult to spend your life serving others and not expect honor or rewards. I think that may be harder than getting rid of the "keeping up with the Jones's" mentality. It's our nature to want to be seen and known. To be the best at something. We like the gold medal, the applause, the appreciation, etc. Look around at all the statues, memorials and plaques. It's hard not to seek recognition for yourself or for those you love. It hurts to think we or a dear loved one will be forgotten one day.

I challenge you to take a step back and answer some difficult questions. What legacy are you leaving? Is it one of faith in Jesus? Do you live a life that puts Jesus's name above your own?

Jesus is the ONLY name to remember.