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From These Two
By: Tom Norvell
Vol. 13 No. 30 | July 26, 2010
Long ago and far away in what seems like another world there lived a man named Floyd, who married a woman named Agnes. From this good union came six children, four girls and two boys. From these six children came twenty-plus grandchildren, dozens of great-grandchildren, and a significant number of great-great-grandchildren. The legacy that began with two people in a humble dwelling in south Arkansas nearly a century ago is continuing to have an impact on the lives of people all around globe.
From these two gentle people has emerged a heritage of love. When this family gathers, as they have done periodically since the beginning, love radiates. There is joking, teasing, good hearted humor. There is also tears, tenderness, and grieving over those who have passed on to their reward. The joking is done with love. The grieving is the result of a love that can hardly imagine a gathering without them. The love is visible and felt on birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, reunions, and of course during funerals. From the oldest to the youngest, a love similar to that of our Lord pervades this family.
From these two loving people has developed a tradition of grace. So much grace has been extended from one member of the family to another. This is a grace that is accepting of people just as they are. This is a grace that is open to all. No matter who you are, where you are from, or what you have done. As God has extended His grace to us all, grace is extended to all.
From these two gracious people has unfolded a history of serving. When two or three members of this family are together, before too much time passes, someone will tell a story of how they were served, or how they learned to serve, or about how someone else was served. From the beginning all who followed were provided living, breathing examples of a man and woman who knew how to serve and did it. Not much talk. No need for attention. Simple see a need and meeting. This model of serving has been handed down through the generations. Like our Lord taught His disciples, these two taught those who were entrusted to them to serve.
From these two serving people has surfaced a life of faith. Faith in God. Faith in fellow man. Faith in faith. Faith in doing what’s right. Faith in being people of their word, and of THE Word. Faith that sustains. Faith that strengthens. Faith that endures. Faith that compels one to love, to extend grace, to serve. This is the faith of our Father and faith in our Father.
From these two people lives have been changed. From these two people communities have been strengthened. From these two people churches have been built, physically and spiritually. From these two people children have been loved who might otherwise not ever been loved. From these two people lives have been shaped into an image more like Jesus that could have ever been possible without these two.
Floyd and Agnes Mangum have long ago passed from this earth. Their memory lives on. Their philosophy of life lives on. People who have been touched by them live on and touching other lives who will in turn continue to love, continue to show grace, continue to serve, and continue to live out their faith. I know. I’m one of the grandchildren. Thank you Grandma and Granddaddy. You continue to live in our hearts and through our lives.
Tom
© Copyright 2010 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.
