Leaving a Legacy

Just this past week I attended a funeral of an acquaintance of mine. Let me correct that. I would say that, while I didn’t know Austin Parker as a close friend, he was definitely a friend. We played music together and lead worship at New Life Church just a few years ago. Our worship team was very much like a small group and we got to know each other fairly well.

I began to think about Austin’s life accomplishments after viewing the big collage of pictures at his wake. I wondered how many lives he’d touched and all the things that he must have laughed about. You see, most of the pictures showed something of his character. He loved life and could be seen with his big broad grin or mouth wide in hysterical laughter. I stood in front of those memories of Austin and chuckled remembering some of his silly jokes or the times he loved to kid around. Some of us standing around laughed out loud with the family as they recounted some of those moments. Imagine, laughing at a wake. But that was Austin.

Then I came to one picture of him standing on the beach of a lake ready to baptize people. Austin loved Jesus. He would tell you that over and over again with deep authentic passion. I remember times when he would share how God had given him opportunities to share his faith in Jesus with fellow classmates at Mesa College. You see, even in his mid forties, Austin was not afraid to attempt school. He graduated this past May. That was Austin – a stick to it, exuding Jesus kind of guy.

He was also involved in a prison ministry here in Grand Junction. He would go to the jail every two weeks to do a service for the female inmates. There were many women who came to know Jesus through that ministry.

Oh, and talented. The man could play, write and sing music with deep passion and fervor. He was an accomplished keyboard player. He once told me that since God gave him that gift, he would only use it for His glory. At the funeral, they showed a slide show while playing some of his music on CD. It was a real joy to know Austin and to have the privilege of leading others together.

There were many people at the funeral. There were tears and hugs and silent reminiscing. But we all agreed that Austin was dancing (he had been sick with diabetes and seizures – which eventually killed him), playing and singing his heart our before the throne of God. Yeah AUSTIN, you go man!

My friend Austin Parker has left a wonderful legacy of love and changed lives. He has a wonderful family who will miss him, but they have the peace that passes understanding knowing the life Austin lived. The ripple effect of his legacy for Christ will move throughout generations.

May we all leave such a legacy behind.