Will You Remember Me?

     Have you ever wondered how you will be remembered or even if you will be remembered at all?  The last few days have brought sweet memories of a wonderful lady.  I knew her as a child, she mentored me as a young woman.  She left a mark on my life.  Throughout life I think of her occasionally, when I drive by her home or read a good book. When I pack for a mission trip, or even when I iron.  Who is she?
     Frances Armour.  This woman who got a third grade education and no more went on to become one of the foremost librarians in the Hamilton County Baptist Association.  She read every book, or had it read by a trusted reader, that went on the shelf of her library.  She was called upon to train librarians across Tennessee.  She loved a good book and kept detailed records about all that she touched. 
     As a young child I remember going into her library to check out a book.  My favorites were the series on missionaries.  Stories about people who had given their lives to go to someplace remote or far away to share the name of Jesus.  Even as I write I can see the covers of the books with the pictures of people whose names I can't recall.  I remember the excitement of getting to take that book home to read and learn about what they were doing.  I remember thinking, I want to be a missionary.  
    Later in life, I was honored to work alongside Mrs. Armour.  She became a dear friend.  She taught me how to manage a library.  I appreciated all she taught me.  Though I did not have a desire to run a library for the rest of my life, the lessons were applicable to living.  She expected things to be done right.  Pay attention to the detail.  Stand up for what you believe.  Do not put anything on the shelf that you would be embarrassed for someone to read.  The list goes on and on.
     Today I live out the desire she allowed to blossom way back then.  Each week as she would say, "This book is about...." somehow I knew she was opening the door to a beautiful new world for me.  In just three short weeks I will travel to Haiti for my fourth time.  I get to teach the women there and equip them for their own mission trip to the remote regions of their own country.  I will spend the week in a village where white people are rarely seen (perhaps only once before.)  I will get to sleep on an air mattress in a mosquito tent and may not even get to bathe all week.  We're hoping there will be a latrine.  Still, I can't wait!  The people there have become family.  Their daily struggle to survive yet maintain joy unspeakable is more than inspirational.   
     So, why the memories?  She bought the cover for my ironing board when I got married twenty-eight years ago.  I had to replace it yesterday.  It was hard.  Like throwing away a piece of her. 
     It all led me to ask myself, what have I done that people will remember?  Have I inspired anyone to serve Jesus?
     Thank you, Frances Armour!