HERITAGE

Each year our country celebrates Memorial Day.  It is a day set aside to remember 
those who sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedom and prosperity that we do today.
	
This day is necessary because we tend to forget those who prepared the way before us.  
Even in the spiritual realm we tend to forget.  Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper to 
remind us of his ultimate sacrifice of love.  It is important to remember.
	
It is important to remember one's family heritage.  Most of us enjoy America because 
some distant grandfather and grandmother made their way across the ocean in search 
of a better life.  Many of us enjoy property and possessions that once belonged to a 
dear loved one who paid the price that we might prosper.
	
It is important to remember the heritage of our communities.  Many of us enjoy homes 
we didn't build, roads paid for by previous generations, and all of the modern luxuries 
because of the sacrifices of yesterday.  May we never forget those who worked to make 
our communities what they are today.
	
It is also important to remember our spiritual heritage.  Many of us owe to preachers 
and teachers of years gone by the precious message of the Gospel that we obeyed.  
Perhaps you remember, as I do, the preacher or teacher who immersed you into Christ.  
These are truly precious memories.
	
My home congregation, Northside, is also blessed with a rich congregational heritage.  
It is the product of two congregations who envisioned one church with a common goal 
and purpose.  Over twenty years ago, brothers and sisters from the Parkwood Church 
of Christ and the Lischey Avenue Church of Christ came together  to form Northside.  
These two churches brought talent, experience and deep roots to give Northside a solid 
foundation upon which to build.  Many of the blessings we enjoy were first planted 
almost one hundred years ago in East Nashville.
	
I have so much heritage for which to be grateful.  During this Memorial Day holiday 
period, look back and count your heritage blessings.


Leslie S. Chapman