My Dad was born 95 years ago. He was one of the hardest-working men I’ve ever known, faithfully providing for our family. He was also a minister of the Gospel for 69 years. He had a passion to see people accept Jesus as their Savior, and he passed that same desire to me. At one time, Daddy was on three different radio stations, preaching the Gospel.

When I was called to preach, Daddy was a source of constant encouragement. While the support he personally gave me made me feel good, I can’t begin to tell you how many people told me my dad was always sharing his pride in me as I endeavored to follow God’s plan for my life. He’s been in heaven for seven years, but he is never far from my thoughts.

It’s amazing to me how the most unexpected thing can trigger a memory. It happens suddenly; something you didn’t intend to think about, it was just there. An unbidden memory of the past. What if those memories aren’t just the result of your mind wandering, but a celestial echo? Imagine that every time a loved one crosses your mind, it’s because they’ve just finished sharing a story about you in Heaven. Your thoughts are the ripples of their laughter and praise reaching from heaven to earth.

I’ve always felt that Hebrews 12:1 is saying there are times when God pulls back the curtain of eternity and gives our loved ones a glimpse of what’s happening down here. I’m thankful they can’t see everything, but every now and then, perhaps they can. If that’s the case, then maybe, just maybe, we aren’t just remembering them; we are feeling the continuing glow of their love being spoken in a higher place. You are free to disagree with me on this, but I think God does little things like this to remind us that the love they once had for us has not died. He’s a big God, a loving God, and love never dies.