LEGACY

LEGACY BEGINS NOW!

 

 

I had the privilege to speak to a group of High School students tonight and so I chose the topic of LEGACY. I love this word. I love what it means and how I have learned to embrace it to the fullest in the past few years.

 

I believe that we can begin our legacy at a very young age. For example, I have a connection with a dear family whose 10 year old daughter was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. After spending weeks and weeks in children's hospital wards she, her name is Jessie, decided that some of the children in her ward needed something to cheer them up. So she came up with the idea of JOY JARS! She took clear plastic jars and filled them with little toys and stuffed animals and stickers. She and her dad took the jars back to the hospital she was in and passed them out to the children. It became a great way for her to do something to help other children. She even came up with her own saying of NEVER EVER GIVE UP! Or as she calls it NEGU!

 

NEGU and JOY JARS became Jessie's focus and mission. She spent the last 10 months of her life encouraging other children and families to NEGU through her JOY JARS and social media. When Jessie passed away at 11 years old, she had already left an incredible legacy. In fact NEGU and JOY JARS are all over the world just a few years later. Jessie Joy Reese was named a recipient of the CNN YOUNG HERO'S AWARD. NFL teams have now joined her foundation and they are taking JOY JARS to thousands of children who are in hospitals all over the world. You can look her up online and read it for yourself. It is an incredible example of LEGACY.

 

I learned about Legacy in a very painful way a few years ago. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years. A few years ago we had something happen in our marriage that almost caused us to completely give up and end our marriage. You may think this is not that big of a deal in today's society, however, it is to us. You see we both have Mom's who had multiple marriages. Neither one of us know our biological fathers. In fact, my husband never met his biological mother. We have gone though so many ups and downs in our marriage while raising our sons.

 

A few years ago when this event happened we had to make a decision about what kind of legacy we wanted to leave for our sons and grandchildren. Did we want to continue the legacy of broken marriages? Or did we want to change this long legacy of divorce of both of our families? We decided the latter...we decided that we want to leave a legacy of commitment and never giving up, "NEGU", for our kids and grand kids, as well as the hundreds of people we have the awesome privilege to lead in ministry.

 

This decision was not easy and is still a struggle now and then when things get tough. We always go back to legacy. We have learned that we must "Act our way into a feeling, instead of feeling our way into an action" Rick Warren...

 

Tonight as I was sharing my personal story with a group of High School kids, I read to them out of  the bible in John 13 where Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. I see the love and humility of Jesus in this passage. I also see the beginning of the legacy that Jesus left for His beloved disciples and ultimately for all of us. The legacy of humility and serving others. The legacy of sacrificial love. The kind that lead Jesus to the cross on our behalf. Jesus left His legacy for us to follow.

 

My life verse is Ephesians 2:10;

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared for us in advance to do."

 

The word workmanship in the original Greek means POEM. So in other words, God created us with beauty and complexity, gifts and talents in order to use them for good works. He had this planned all along for each of us. I love this because as a little girl growing up in turmoil and struggle I am overwhelmed with the understanding that God had a plan for me all along. In fact He has used my deepest pain to develop my deepest ministry. I am grateful that I was able to come out of such sad darkness and see the light of Jesus that led me to a personal relationship with Jesus. I am so blessed that I understand God's purpose for me.

 

Every child has the potential to begin a legacy. We as adults can contribute to the development of their legacy building with our words that matter and with each moment we choose to build them up and encourage them.

 

How about you? How is your legacy building going? I am challenging each person reading this blog to think about legacy and what is means. I hope it helps you as it has me. Years ago I use to sing a song called "This Life." Here is the chorus:

 

 

This life that I've been given

Is but a moments time

This life, I have received it

As a gift from your hand.

Let all my days reflect... your precious Holy Name

Everything that I do, let it glorify You,

My Savior and my God....

 

This I pray...is my legacy......God bless you

 

 



Scotty

SCOTTY

"For Thou dost meet him with the blessings of good things;

Thou dost set a crown of fine gold on his head"

Psalm 21:3

 

This morning I woke up with a very grieving heart for a precious little three year old whom I have never met on this earth, however, I know I will meet him in heaven someday.

 

Little Scotty Mcmillan did not want to eat his toast. So instead of allowing him to sit at the table for a bit and learn that we should eat what we have, or putting a little jelly on it, or even just allowing him to get down from the table and go a little hungry until lunch, he was beaten to death.

 

His mother and her boyfriend strung him up by his feet and beat him with a cord of rope and a frying pan. They put dents in their walls by smashing his little head against them. Then they laid his little suffering body on a air mattress and went for pizza and had sex. All of this while said boyfriend's ex-wife was in the house with her eighteen month old daughter, and Scotty's older brother, who was also beaten.

 

When Scotty was taken to the hospital he died from his injuries. I cannot imagine the sadness of the First Responders and the medical team who tried to save little Scotty's life. I cannot imagine the shock and pain in their hearts as they probably thought of their own precious children in their lives. I know for me, I can picture my precious little grandson who will be three in a couple of weeks and I am overwhelmed with heartache as I picture what little Scotty endured. Horrible, evil, unbelievable, shock, sadness, anger, revenge, sick to my stomach...just some of the words and emotions that I am experiencing since I read this story yesterday.

 

So after praying and crying and grieving, I went to God's word, the Holy Bible, and this is where I believe He directed me;

 

 

Psalm 23 Just For Scotty

 

 

The Lord is Scotty's Shepherd,

Scotty shall not want.

He makes Scotty lie down in green pastures; He leads Scotty beside quiet waters.

He restores Scotty's little soul;

He guides Scotty in the path of righteousness

For His name's sake.

Even though Scotty did walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

Scotty did not fear the evil before him because Jesus was with him;

Jesus' rod and His staff did comfort Scotty.

Jesus prepared a table for Scotty in the presence of his enemies;

Jesus did anoint Scotty's little head with His sweet oil of healing;

Scotty's cup now overflows,

Surely goodness and loving kindness WILL follow Scotty from now on in heaven,

And Scotty WILL dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER!

 

 

Amen and Amen....

 

Little Scotty Mcmillan, I cannot wait to meet you someday...you are safe now, you are home, Jesus took you back. Clearly they did not deserve you. I love you....



 

 



I'M HERE, I'M FREE NOW!

 

 

"I'M HERE! I'M FREE NOW!"

 



My favorite quote of all time is from a young woman named Amanda Berry. She was one of the three girls kidnapped and held hostage for over 10 years when she broke out of the house, borrowed a cell phone and called 911 and said "I'm here! I'm free now!" Google her 911 call...you can hear the freedom in her voice! No matter what she had gone through for 10 years, rape, hunger, beatings, she was overjoyed with her freedom! Powerful example of what happens to us when we are free from the bondage of oppression through a relationship with Jesus.

 

 

Years ago I began to share my personal story with woman and men across the country. It has always been interesting to see the different reactions of people as they hear about the abuse I suffered as a little girl both sexually, and physically. Most people do not know what to say to me after they hear about the years of basically being used by a young man as his personal sex partner. It happened when I was 7-10 years old. It is difficult for me to even write about it at this time. So I understand.

 

 

If I were to meet Amanda Berry in person, would I know what to say to her to make that moment matter in her life? I pray I would. I pray I know what to say to anybody at any given moment that will build them up and not tear them down. There is a beautiful verse in the Bible about how to speak to one another: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 in the New International Version.

 

I love it in the original Kind James Version; " Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

 

Comfort yourselves together...this directive brings me comfort just reading it...it gives me a special moment of peace, assurance and hope. It also helps me know I should not only be edifying others, I should actually choose my words to bring comfort. Do I do this? Not on a regular basis that's for sure. Especially with those closest to me. I want to learn to speak words of peace and kindness even when I do not feel like it. I think of the alternative...which would be discomforting words without peace and kindness. Tearing someone down and discouraging them.

 

 

I believe on the day that Amanda Berry was finally free from the man who held her captive since she was 10 years old, for over 10 years, would have been so afraid of what might happen next. Would he realize she got out of the house and chase her down, would she find help? Would she fall down, would she get away forever? In her 911 call she says to the operator, "It's Amanda Berry, I've been kidnapped for 10 years, but I'm here, I'm free now!". The operator doing her job does not get as excited as I would have liked. She was professional and trying to get the information needed to determine how to help.

What if that operator could go back and receive that call all over again? How might she respond? I would think she may say something like, "OH MY GOSH!!! Are you OK? Is your kidnapper anywhere near you? Are you bleeding? I'm so happy you are here Amanda, I'm so sorry this happened to you. What a brave girl you are! I cannot wait to see how this horrible tragedy in your life will mold you into an amazing person that will be able to help so many others."

 

Our chance to speak freedom into the lives of children comes everyday for most of us. Let's take those chances...let's give a smile or a hug or a word of praise and encouragement. You see so many have done this for me since I began sharing my story of a painful and abusive childhood. So many have encouraged me and have told me how they can see how God has used all of those sad experiences to mold me into the woman I am today. Their words are what bring comfort, peace and that freedom to me. Their words have reminded me that I am no longer that scared little girl who wondered each day who might hurt me or if I would eat, or have a place to sleep. Their words have me shouting to the world....."I'm here! I'm free now!" I am no longer in bondage to my past. I am no longer a victim but a victor! I hope to meet Amanda Berry someday...she is one of my heroes!




Needles

NEEDLES

 

 

I have the unfortunate blessing and curse of having my blood drawn every Friday. It is a blessing because I am thankful for medical technology that keeps track of the thickness of my blood to help prevent me from having another "event" of a DVT! The curse of course is having to experience the needle in my arm every week.

 

Growing up in Hawaii as a little girl I was hospitalized often. I was a regular guest at Tripler Army Hospital on the Island of Oahu. I had constant tests being done on my little body as the Doctors were trying to figure out why I was continually having infections and severe headaches and fevers. I wish they would have just asked me. I wish they would have taken the time to talk to me about it. In "those days" sexual abuse on children was just not discussed, apparently not even by the medical professionals. I was ill because I was being molested on a weekly basis by a young man who was my babysitter while my mom partied with his mom. My brother was there also, he is two years older than me. He had to be quiet and not say anything about it. He suffered my abuse in his own way and it has had a toll on him.

 

One of my very clear memories about my time in Tripler Hospital was when President Johnson and his wife were in Hawaii. All of us children in the children's ward of Tripler were told that we would actually get to meet the President's wife! I was so excited! I remember that a very sweet nurse braided my hair and put ribbons in it so I would feel pretty for our special guest. It was my first and only time to have my hair braided.

 

Sadly, right before Lady Bird Johnson arrived, I was whisked off for yet another test with needles! It was a BRAIN WAVE test where they put dozens of little needles all over my head. They took my ribbons and my braids out. I was so sad. I cried and cried. I also missed the visit of our President's wife. I remember the disappointment I felt that day. Never mind the pain of the needles in my little head, I was so sad to have missed this special occasion and I was very sad that my pretty hairdo was destroyed. It was a sad day.

 

This memory teaches me things about how I can compare the pain and discomfort of needles to the different experiences of my life. That day brings painful and sad memories, yet the Doctors were trying to help me. If only they had paid attention to the timing of the test. The many shots and tests I have experienced with needles were and are to help me, yet they hurt...and so it can be with our words....this is where I am going with this.

 

Sometimes my words can be like needles...they can cause pain and remain as a memory of pain. Or they can cause pain, and yet the intention of them can be to help. Sometimes when I have a moment to speak words of help to someone, especially a child, they may feel like a poke and pain of a needle. I must be careful not to speak words that just cause pain because I am an speaking in anger or jealousy or being mean. I must choose my words carefully in order to make a moment matter in the life of a loved one, friend, and especially a child....

 

Back to my story...the good news is apparently Lady Bird Johnson heard how sad I was to have missed her visit and she actually mailed me a package with her picture, autographed and personalized to me, and a autographed picture of the President with a booklet all about the White House! I loved it and it made me feel so special. I had it for years and somewhere in my many moves it has been lost. Still, I have the memory...I am grateful.

 

Today I am vowing to not allow my words to be like needles unless they are to help, teach, train or encourage. I want my words to be kind and soothing, healing and helpful. I will never enjoy needles, still I am thankful for the lesson I have learned from them and for the help they provide to help me medically....hmmm...who would have thought?

Welcome!

Moments Matter with DeVonna Drey

 

It is with great joy I begin a new adventure of actually blogging. My passion to share thoughts, prayers, ideas and meditations regarding our most precious humans on the face of the earth at any given time, children, is real, deep, emotional, and joyous.

You see I do not believe there is a valid "war on women". I do however truly believe there is a "war on children" and I believe it begins at conception! I am honored to call myself an advocate for kids. I am humbled to be called Miss DeVonna by thousands of children over the years of working with them in a private business, the public education system and in ministry. I am overwhelmed with compassion and love for children all over the world. I understand their hearts as they begin to develop their own "stories" or "testimonies" from a very early age. 

My title of my BlogSpot address, Moments Matter, comes from a book I read a few years ago called JUST A MINUTE by Wess Stafford. He was the Former President and CEO of Compassion International. His most popular book TOO SMALL TO IGNOR first caught my attention when I was living in New York and serving as Director of Children's Ministry at Church at the Gateway. Our Pastor, Dr. Daniel Mercaldo asked the entire staff to read the book. It was such a beautiful read. When JUST A MINUTE came out I was so excited to read it. I was completely blessed and overwhelmed by Wess Stafford's personal story and his stories of dozens of children who had special moments in their lives, which guided the course of their lives. I highly recommend this book for everyone! It will help our society to understand the absolute significance of making each encounter with a child an opportunity to make a real difference in their lives as a child and as a future adult.

I am very excited to begin sharing my thoughts with anyone who will read them. If nothing else, it will be part of the legacy I am determined to leave with my own family, as well as the many families I am currently and have been privileged to serve.

I hope and pray that anyone who reads this will begin right away to consider making a moment matter for a child you may encounter in your family, your community, your local grocery store, anywhere you may happen to be. If a child crosses your path, smile, in an appropriate situation, say a kind word, encourage, compliment and be compassionate. You may never know the difference your moment with that child may make in his or her life.

 

Have a wonderful day and God bless the Children.