November 23, 2009  

Have you ever had your best laid plans changed at the last moment?  For several months I have pondered what to write as my first attempt at blogging.  Since this website encourages people to read the Bible, I was going to address the serious gap between Bible knowledge and personal obedience.  But, my mother had much better plans. 

Since the home going of my father, she has lived in either assisted care or a nursing home.  Serious infections brought her to hospital this past week for a nine day ordeal resulting in the end of her 87 year journey on earth.  As I watched her die, I realized that she was simply and faithfully finishing the race the Lord had laid out for her.  At her bedside, I wrote these words for her obituary: 

Georgetta Salsgiver Gannett

June 21, 1922 - November 10, 2009

 One day heaven will reveal the impact of her life of faith and sacrifice.  Early she trusted Christ as her Savior and served the Lord faithfully alongside her beloved husband, Dr. Alden Gannett, former President of Southeastern Bible College.  Together they loved their family, mentored a multitude of students and Christian workers, ministered around the world and invested their lives to make an eternal difference.

Their marriage was a metaphor of grace.  Georgetta was willing to make any sacrifice to facilitate Alden’s ministry for the gospel and faithfully served as his love, secretary and best friend.  Her humility has made the bells of heaven ring for joy. 

Georgetta had a gift to make everyone feel special.  Her personal sacrifices honored others above herself.  She saw the best in everyone, celebrated life with humor, exemplified a servant spirit and, in her final years, taught us how to suffer well. 

She blessed her family with unconditional love and acceptance.  Her prayers and godly counsel encouraged spiritual devotion in those she loved.  Like the wise woman of Proverbs 31, her children stand and bless her.  The fragrance of her love is a legacy her family will treasure forever.

Mother’s memorial service was a true celebration.  Hundreds attended as a living testimony to her devotion to the Lord and her love for people.  Why was she such a remarkable woman who will not be easily forgotten? 

The answer is simple and profound—she trusted God and his Word.  It is not surprising that her favorite hymn was Trust and Obey.  She wrapped her life around God’s Truth instead of expecting him to accommodate her desires or decisions.  When God spoke, she jumped with childlike obedience and anticipation.  Deep in her heart, she knew that he had only the best in store for her.

Like my Father, she is a key underlying factor which motivated me to produce this website to help people like you know and obey the Lord better.  Her joy in life and death is something we can all discover by simply reading and obeying the Bible.  My prayer is that the Lord will use her legacy to surprise you with that joy as you walk with him.

You can download Mother’s memorial service by clicking here.   

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