How may would agree with me that the month of May is on its way to being one of the most memorable in personal history?  According to Wikipedia, the internet’s encyclopedia, the month of May is one of seven months with 31 days and said to be named after the Greek goddess Maia, or derived from the Latin word maiores, meaning "elders," and that the following month June is named for the iuniores, or "young people."

Regardless of how the name of the month of May was derived, the month bursts forth with blossoms and special bouquets for those special days and events like Mother’s Day and Memorial Day as Moms are thanked and our military men and women honored.

One of  these military heroes was honored before Memorial Day  - Donald William Cargo.  Don loved his country, his beloved wife and precious family, his many friends, and his Lord and His church. It was a memorable Celebration Service of Life and Joy as family, friends and members of Heart of the Shepherd gathered on that Monday, May 10, to shed tears of sorrow and joy…to hear family members share heartfelt memories of their loved one…to listen to the proclamation of the Gospel, the Good News that Jesus defeated death and turned Don’s physical death into eternal life, and that He offers that same promise to all who believe in Him.    God blessed Don in so many unique ways and fashioned him into a man after God’s own heart.  God’s Word wasn’t something that Don just read and studied – he lived it.  The truths of God’s Word became the testimonies of Don’s life.

I was curious as to how many Bible verses there were in the New Testament with the word “may’ in it, since Don helped make this month of May so personally memorable.  The computer search resurrected over 300.  In Don’s honor, “may” I share a few of those with you that remind me of Don and how God used him to bless his family, friends and Christ’s church.

Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 
    Don let his light shine.  Shine, People, shine.

Jesus went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."  Matthew 26: 42 
    Don aligned his life with God’s will.  It’s wise to do the same.  It’s a proven formula for eternal success.

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. . . ." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."  Luke 5:24 
    Jesus told Don to pick up his mat and go home.  “I’m but a stranger here; heaven is my home.”

Thank you, Lord, for allowing Don to make this month of May so personally memorable.  Now use us to do the same as we let our lights shine…align our lives with your will, until that time you tell us to pick up our mat and come home.  Amen.

May 10, 2010