Through the wonders of technology and the internet, I was given the opportunity to be inspired by a parishioner that I never met in person. Nancy Kennedy only missed a handful of Bible studies over the past 5 years, so we were blessed by the depths of her knowledge, faith, insights and love most every Thursday morning on Zoom.
I marveled at her love for God and for others, and for her dedication to camping at her beloved Kieve Wavus in Maine (also her home). She enjoyed reading scripture passages from an Indigenous translation of the Bible, and her insights were profound and moving.
Nancy’s passing has me thinking about the life of faith. Our faith isn’t just about ideas in our head or fuzzy feelings in our heart. It isn’t about “getting to heaven” when we die. Our faith is about how we treat ourselves and others. It’s about our impact on the people around us. People should be able to tell that we are a person of faith not just because we can quote “chapter and verse” of the Bible, but through our love and care for others.
Nancy exemplified this throughout her life. She held deep beliefs: “I believe we come from a place of great love before we are born and we return to that place when we die. If you want to see love, you will see it everywhere. Love is creation, creativity, love is eternity, all souls, all beauty on this earth. You live in love’s embrace. Love is you.”
She also knew that we are called to put love into practice: “Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay. Love isn’t love till you give it away.” Indeed…
Her grandson Sam said this of his grandmother: “With her innate kindness and respect, Laa Laa (his name for Nancy) led with boundless love and hope. She was whimsical, warm, welcoming, and funny; forever patient, selfless and steadfast. She spent more than 65 years at Kieve and never missed a Sunday chapel. Laa Laa leaves a legacy of tenderness and care for those who need it most.”
Well done, Nancy, good and faithful servant.
Enjoy your place amongst the saints in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Peace, Bill
