“I WANT TO SAY MORE, but I want everyone to remember her like I would want to be remembered: by the work she did and by the mark she left on the world . . .”
I was filled with a great sense of loss as I stumbled across these words from an online obituary. Was this some dignitary? A national or world leader? Certainly someone I wish I had known. Alas, I know not the person who penned this sentence nor his grandmother about whom it speaks. But it is a sentiment worthy to be pondered.
I was born and raised in metro Atlanta, Georgia. Due to an odd twist of events in my late 20s, I found myself in Memphis, Tennessee for several years. There I met my wife, I bought my first house, attended seminary, have friends that still live there, and joined the FedEX family in city of its birth. But I never knew of this artist, as she was just beginning her art career while I was changing direction in my own life. The many scenes she so vividly rendered draw me back to those times with cords of fondness.
The artist is the late Louise Dunavant. She was a single mother who supported herself and her children as an innovative policewoman and later by painting scenes of Memphis, Tennessee. A few samples of her work were provided along with a well wrought obituary by her grandson (who penned the opening quote). Her artwork represents Memphis well, as these depict everyday sights. The tribute to her heart by her children won the day for me.
While still a young mother, down on her luck and desperate for a steady income, she once recalled praying, “God, if you want me to take care of these kids you'll have to help me. You know I don’t have any talent.” I laughed at this comment, as I recall having mouthed similar comments to God many times. For Louise, the evidence bears witness to what God will do when we hone special gifts He places in us and offer them to others.
Obviously, Louise left a ‘mark’ on her grandson, as he has learned to write with loving-kindness, words that teem with life. A reminder that others (like our children) are watching what we do. For example, our drive to do good may be the very thing that ignites theirs. We mustn't let them down. Beyond that, his comment draws an envious feeling from deep inside me. Not the evil kind, but one that beckons to me to be a better man. Who wouldn’t want this said at their memorial? Or to have the Master say it of our deeds?
Louise Dunavant used her gifts for good. Is that not the sole soul mission in life for each of us? “God has given us all gifts from his great variety and treasure house of spiritual gifts. Please use them well to serve each other.” (I Pet. 4:10).
Shouldn’t we do the good work we were destined to produce? None of us has any idea who may benefit from it, and in what way. I hope we all leave a beautiful mark in this life for coming generations to be blessed.
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