What will you leave behind?

If I can help somebody as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong,
Then my living will not be in vain.

These luminous lines, often used by my mother, were also quoted by the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his speech entitled “The Drum Major Instinct". In this segacious speech, Dr. King identifies the drum major mentality, one which desires to be first, important or great. He contrasts this familiar attitude with a far less common but greater mindset, one which seeks to serve others. In so doing, he reminds us that "everybody can be great, because everyone can serve." As I reflect upon that statement, I can't help but think of my mother Mrs. Ora L. Jones. For my mother was great, not in size, stature, or status symbols, but great in service. She devoted her life to reaching out to the least, last, lost, and left out. In every role that she fulfilled, rather as a wife, mother, employee, ministry leader, or friend, she demonstrated a willingness to serve others. As I mourn her passing, I am thankful that I was priviledged to have such a mother to model and mimic. I am also grateful that she has left a legacy for me and also others who would follow in her faithful footsteps.

First, her life reveals that we gain significance in this life by serving others. My mother never attended college or authored any books yet her name is highly respected in various communities. Anyone that knew her would agree that she was an influential individual because of the impact that she made in so many lives. We gain meaning in life not by what we get but by what we give.

Lastly, her life illlustrates that the service you render to others is never in vain. It's never in vain becuase it can continue to make a difference for years to come. At my mom' s funeral, in which many people gathered to celebrate her life, she received three honors in her name that will continue to live on. First, the city of Montevallo named June 4th as Ora L. Jones day, a fitting honor especially since that was also her marriage anniversary. In addition two scholarships will be dedicated in her name in order to help some student fulfill their dreams. However, I believe her highest honor was given to her in heaven as she was rewarded for all the service that she rendered to others. In conclusion, as I salute my mother for being a great woman, I also encourage you to enlist in a life of service to others knowing that what matters most is not the duration of your life but the donation of it!

PEACE!