The “STUFF” of it All
As I sit among a room full of “stuff,” I realize now more than ever that none of it will come with me when I depart from this Earth. Many of the items I’m looking at were once things I believed would take my organization to the next level. Yet, this morning, I find myself facing the uncomfortable truth—it was all financial mishandling.
What makes this moment even more poignant is the memory of my uncle, who recently completed his earthly journey and crossed over into glory. As I reflect, I ask myself, was all this stuff really worth it?
And, Beloved, that’s where you and I begin. When rebuilding community, we don’t need an abundance of “stuff” or an expansive budget. What we need most is each other.
It never ends well when we place material things above people, for the souls of people are the Father’s highest treasure. I remember being taught that souls are the heart of God. This is why in the five-fold ministry, there is a special place for the Evangelist.
Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, there was a real sense of community. Each one of my aunts and uncles was my favorite in some unique way, whether it was their outgoing personality or the way they chose to love me. I adored them. Every time I saw them, my heart would light up, and this was especially true for my late “Uncle Spooky.” Despite the nickname, there was nothing spooky about him. He was tall, handsome, and always dressed to the nines.
When he arrived, the party officially began. He was the life of the party. His tall stature and huge grin could charm even the hardest hearts, and his witty remarks always left people laughing. His loud, yet comforting voice now echoes in my mind, a reminder that in this earthly realm, I will never hear it again.
As he aged, his love for the family grew, and although he tried to maintain his vibrant energy, we knew that with age comes the deterioration of the body. I’m comforted, though, knowing that in his later years, I was able to spend precious time with him. Led by the Holy Spirit, I visited his home, picked up groceries, did some light cleaning, and spent weekends with him.
We would sit in front of the TV, talking about the goodness of the Lord while TBN played worship music in the background. It was heartwarming to witness the depth of his relationship with God and to see that familiar grin, complete with the gold trim around his front tooth.
In the end, I have peace knowing that I took the time to check on my uncle. Those moments, no matter how brief, made a positive impact on his life. It felt like the circle of life had come around again, and this time, I was able to give back.
Beloved, this aspect of the circle of life is missing today—not just in the youth but even in adulthood. We easily forget the people who were there early on in our lives and the contributions they made for our betterment. These individuals, within our unique ecosystem we call community, make all the difference.
Family, I challenge you this week, or at least twice a month, or during each holiday: stop rushing to buy more “stuff.” Instead, take the time to check on an elderly person who may not get around as easily as they used to or who may not have as much family around. Let’s rekindle the love in our communities—the communities God has ordained for us to live in together. You never know how much you can positively impact someone’s life or how you might draw them closer to the Lord in their final days.
Because when it’s all said and done, you can’t take any of this “stuff” with you when you cross over. But the memory of how you impacted others will be the legacy you leave behind.
Until next time…
Shalom, Beloved.