By Faith-Todd MacDonell
Almost one month ago, October 13, a man that lived “by Faith” died. Todd MacDonell was 48 years old. He was married and had two daughters. He lived in a town near me and was the pastor of a local church.
I had not known this man very long. He had recently gotten involved in the political arena which I had also gotten involved in. Then at the end of the summer, he started getting sick. He had a disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. It is a disease that causes your brain to deteriorate. After the diagnosis, Pastor MacDonell lived only a few short weeks longer. Today he is with Jesus, his Savior and Lord.
But even though many feel his life was cut short and even though I did not even know him long, he was a man that made a difference. He lived his faith daily. You could see his hope, the hope of salvation, in his eyes. And he was bold. He lived boldly for Christ. He stood up for what was right and made an impact on every person that crossed his path.
His memorial service was unlike any I had ever been to before. We were able to celebrate his life here on earth, yet also rejoice that he is now with our Savior.
Hebrews 11:39-40 says, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect”. I believe this means that only in Heaven are we truly rewarded for living “by faith” here. I want to remind you of how a life can be cut short by our standards, yet God knows everything and has a perfect plan for all of us. I also want you to remember to make every day count. Live each day like it is your last, because it may be, and above all, give your life to Christ. He is waiting for you to open the door. He is waiting for you to allow Him access to your life.
As Thanksgiving draws near, give thanks for all of the people that have made a difference in your life. Thank God for them and then thank them for being there for you, because you never know when your last chance to do that will be. Pastor Todd’s death made me realize that you should never take those people who have been there for you for granted. Thank them now!
~Mandy
3 comments:
Hi Mandy,
My name is Katie MacDonell-- Todd was my father. I was feeling down tonight and missing my dad, so I (maybe childishly) Googled his name. This article popped up, and I would just like to thank you for your blog. This blessed me so much-- my dad touched so many people that I don't know about, and unexpected moments like these make him seem just a little bit closer. So thank you. May God bless your life and this website, to touch and bless others as my father did.
Dear Mandy,
My name is Katie MacDonell-- Todd was my father. I was feeling down and missing my dad tonight, so on a whim (and perhaps childishly) I Googled his name to see what would come up. Among all the obituaries and random stuff I saw this blog. I don't know who you are or where you're from, but I just want you to know that this blessed me so much. My father touched so many lives during his time here on earth-- and moments like these make him feel just a little bit closer. So thank you. May God bless you and this website, so that you may in turn bless others with inspiration like you did me.
In His Grace,
Katie MacDonell
To Katie and Kelsie, You should be very proud of your father. He and your mother raised two very special woman, I am glad to have known you and worked with both of you. Your father had a zest for life, and was always so happy. We all should follow that lesson every day.
Virginia Faust
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