Recently I spent time reflecting on my heritage and how to describe my parents and grandparents, and one word kept coming to mind – S T R E N G T H.   I learned a lot from each of them. But the overriding quality was their strength; it is one of the most lasting visual remembrances indelibly imprinted upon my memory.  There were good times and tough times; they demonstrated incredible strength in both.  I never saw them cower in fear, and they found a way to overcome whatever obstacle they found blocking their path.

My maternal grandfather C.R. (Randolph) Kellum, was one of the most intelligent, integrity-filled, loyal, and courageous men I have ever known.  He earned the respect of everyone, and even some whom I learned did not particularly like or agree with him respected him and knew his word was his bond. 

My maternal grandmother Bertha Bell Kellum was one of the kindest, gentlest women I have ever encountered, and her love for my grandfather was storybook quality, as was her love for her family.  She was unassuming, gentle, and a strong believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, as was my grandfather.  They expressed it differently, but both were genuine in their faith.  In diverse ways, I saw STRENGTH in them that have inspired me through the years.

My father, W.P. Beaird, Jr., was incredibly creative and could accomplish virtually any task before him with little education or formal training.  He knew how to think something through to a valid conclusion and did not know the word defeat or quit.  His love for family was without question. 

At times he manifested a granite-like exterior, but we knew his heart.  He did not verbalize his love much, but his actions spoke volumes. I knew he would die for his family if necessary, and I found comfort in that.  After I had been in the ministry for a number of years, he came down the aisle during a revival and confirmed or reconfirmed his faith in receiving Jesus, and for that, I rejoice!  In him, I saw tenderness behind the veil, but in all things, I saw STRENGTH.

My mother, Elva M. Beaird, was the most loving and caring mother a person could ever have hoped for.  She willingly sacrificed for her family and would have it no other way.  Once before her departure to heaven, I received word that she was hospitalized. As I drove to see her, I reflected on how she demonstrated godliness at all times.  She had my grandmother’s heart and my grandfather’s strength.  She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman, and we treasured her.

She, as did my father, fought for my survival as a child when the doctors were not sure I would ever live to be an adult, and then her heart was crushed when I deployed to Vietnam.  Twice in her life, she feared losing me; her most powerful battle in those times was prayer.  I know she prayed for me throughout my tour of duty in Vietnam.  I have seen her discouraged and disappointed, but always in those challenging times, she manifested STRENGTH.

Reflecting on my heritage, it has been one of firm faith in God!  A strong commitment to family!  It embodied a willing acceptance of responsibility for personal actions!  It taught me a willingness to work to provide for my own, and a determination never to quit! 

My heritage and the legacy they have given me is S T R E N G T H.   After becoming a Christian and over the fifty-plus years, I have learned the source of that strength and know that “the Joy of the Lord is my strength.”  I have come to understand that “The Lord is my strength, and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”   My heritage gives me a foundation upon which to build, the courage to continue, and the strength to finish the course and finish it in faith that I will.

I have a rich heritage through natural lineage but an even greater heritage in Jesus Christ.  Without Him, I not only could do nothing, I would be less than nothing.  My significance is not in what I have done, possess, or the accolades of man; it is in my acceptance in the Family of God through the New Birth.  When I was in total rebellion, God loved me enough to work on my life to bring me to an encounter with the Living Lord!  Thank God for loving people and God’s Agape Love!  I am truly a richly blessed man.

My heritage as an American is also rich, and it would behoove each of us to reflect on what those valiant souls did in securing our independence and the system of government that was established. We need to return to being One Nation Under God! We need to return to being staunch defenders of ALL our Inalienable Rights. We need to restore our Republic!

Thank you for allowing me to speak of personal things from my heart!  You are all valuable gifts and recognized treasures from the Lord to me, and I deeply appreciate each of you, although I do not know all personally.  You are valuable and encourage me daily!   

God bless each of you.  I share a bit of my heritage and hope that it inspires you to remember all the blessings and lessons you were taught by your parents and grandparents!  Loving families are wonderful blessings, and I am a rich man in that area!