Ginnie Gable's Inheritance Distributed
If you were present for Ginnie Gable's memorial service this last Saturday, you'll remember that a letter was read that had been written by Ginnie to her son Peter. Ginnie had prepared well for her death. She had certain very specific desires about how her service was to be conducted. Hymns and Scripture readings had been specified. There was even a small prayer book with a page corner folded over and a private note, which was handed out to each of her 15 grandchildren! I'm not sure it's my place to reveal the contents of that brief note, but let it suffice to say that the note encouraged her grandchildren to follow the same Lord whom she loves so much.
I do have permission to reproduce the letter that was read on behalf of Ginnie to her family. You'll find it below with some minor edits.
I recently saw this from (I think) Beth Moore: "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming – WOW – What a Ride!" Ginnie certainly exemplified this philosophy - praising, loving, and serving Jesus until her last day! As our prayer book says: "we bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom." (Holy Communion, 1662)
Mark Rudolph, Rector
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Dear Peter,
I asked you to have my service when I die and then I asked Philip Lyman if you could – he was so good – "Yes" was his answer. I want him to be with you and help you - the Apostles Creed is very important to Philip.
Please remember to tell Bill Kenney and Ken Cook how much the three of them have helped me in my walk thru life. Also from our Lutheran Church – Pastor Otten, Charles Gills and Carl Zimmerman. (mention them)
I have so much to thank God for, the many blessings He has given me – and still is – such as: My Mother & Father; Pastor & Mrs. Gable (my husband’s parents); your Father and all of our children; and just the “everyday blessings”.
Do you want to put in about Mrs. Gable calling me over – to pray about your father being selfish? The years have flown by –- one day I suggested to your father that we take our children out west (Peter, you were only 5 years old). We did – then after that I asked him about going to Bermuda! We went! You see his mother’s prayers were answered – your Dad was not selfish.
So, when God took your father, His comfort was such a blessing – the Bible says, “I will not leave you or forsake you”. Again, have I thanked God enough for the blessings He has given me?
I have asked Christ into my heart and asked Him to forgive my sins; and to help me live His way. So, because you, my family, are so very dear to me, can I ask you, each one of you, if you have not done so, today to ask Christ into your heart? And tell Him you will try to live His way?
Stay close to each other and thank you, each one of you, for loving me.
Your Mother and “Granny”
PS: I gave this to Peter on my 90th birthday.
