PASSING ON THE BANNER....

PASSING ON THE BANNER....

Dedicated to the family of Guy Lindsey Proctor Sr.

We attended the home-going celebration of my daughter-in-love's grandfather, Guy Lindsey Proctor, Sr. last week. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Proctor and his lovely wife, Lily, several years ago and a few times after that for just a short period of time when they would come for birthday parties. But after his health began to decline, they were no longer able to make the trip. I am sorry that I never had the opportunity to get to know him better.

When I read his obituary yesterday, I was impressed to say the least. And what I heard today at his service, just deepened by respect and admiration for him.

Mr. Proctor started his own business at the age of 20. He had a remarkable career in field of Agri Business and did a lot for the community he lived in, Forrest City, Arkansas. He even helped to start a community college after he retired! He served in several municipal capacities and was well thought of within his community.

But as impressive as that is, we learned today that he was also well known for his faith in the Lord. Each family member expressed the same sentiment to us as we expressed our condolences. “We know where he is, so we cannot be sad.” You can't have that confidence unless you know that a person really knows the Lord and they are confident of where they are going.

As I sat and listened to the words of the minister that day, I kept having one thought...what a legacy this man has left to his family!! To his 3 children....Guy Lindsey Jr., Keath and Caroline...he has left the legacy of his faith. He has walked before you and shown you the way to Jesus. He has lived before you so that you know that you know that he is with Jesus now and forever more. His faith was real, it was something that he held to and he is now passing on the banner of faith to each of you. It is yours to raise high so that all who know YOU, will know as they did about your Dad, that you are a child of the King! He has also left this legacy to his grandchildren....Guy Lindsey III and Allison. The banner is also yours to take up and to raise high so that your children will know that YOU believe in the Lord and He is what makes a difference in your life.

Mr. Proctor had an amazing life, a very productive and successful life. But none of that would matter now, if he had not had Jesus. Money, prestige, notoriety, success....all of those are just wood, hay and stubble and will disappear like a puff of smoke when the end of your life comes. But what really matters is DO YOU KNOW JESUS? Each of you can answer a resounding YES to that question regarding your father and grandfather. What a blessing that is for each of you. Today would have been a different day had you not had that assurance and peace. Although you will miss your dad and grandfather, if you know the God that He knew, you will see him again one day. This is just a short separation.

From what I heard today, I do not believe that he would want any of you to toss away his legacy which he has handed down to you, but I believe that he would say to each of you, “Lift high the banner of Jesus Christ so that all who know YOU and all who come after you will KNOW that you believe and follow Jesus Christ and lead in such a way that others who come after you will want to know and follow Him too.” This legacy is a priceless one. I hope that you realize how blessed you were to have a Dad and Grandfather like him and I pray that you each will treasure the legacy he left you by following in his footsteps and letting your light shine wherever you are and whatever you do.

When you come to the end of your life, there is no greater gift that you can leave your children and grandchildren than this.

Psalm 60:4 “You have given a banner to those who fear you that it may be displayed because of the truth.”