Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr.—names we remember not just for what they did, but for the legacy they left behind. For the most part, their lives were measured and honored after they were gone. But the Bible speaks of a man who evaluated his own life before the end came—Paul. Sitting in a Roman prison, he wrote with quiet confidence:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
One of the greatest stories of the Bible is about how Saul the persecutor became Paul the apostle. A man who was the murderer of Christians became the tool that God used to save many. Through shipwrecks, imprisonments, beatings, and rejection, he remained steadfast in his mission to preach Christ. His life was not easy—but it was poured out faithfully in service to his Savior. When Paul declared that he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith, he wasn’t boasting—he was affirming that a life lived in faithful obedience, even through hardship, leaves a legacy that outlasts suffering.
A Reflection: One Year Without Hannah
June 4th marks one year since our dear Hannah went home to be with the Lord. And as we look back on the 16 years God gave her to us, we do so not only with tears but with deep gratitude. For nine years, Hannah faced a health condition that reduced her blood platelet count. Her journey included blood transfusions, hospital visits, and many sleepless nights—but she endured it all with quiet strength. Her life was not long by earthly standards, but she ran her race well. Endowed with quiet strength, a strong faith, and a servant heart, she lived a life that is an example to all. She truly fought the good fight—not just through her health challenges but in how she chose to live, love, and serve in the face of them.
Her absence is felt every day. We miss her laughter, her gentle reminders, her thoughtful help in every area of life. But even more, we continue to witness her legacy. Her fingerprints are still on our ministries, her influence still shapes our home, and her example continues to inspire others.
Her Legacy: Lessons from Hannah’s Life
1. Serve Quietly but Faithfully
Many people knew Hannah for her role in AWANA ministry on Friday nights. But her true service began on Thursdays, typing up songs, planning details—and extended to Saturdays for the post AWANA management tasks of the week. Her consistency behind the scenes taught us this: legacy isn’t built in the spotlight but in faithfulness. If you’re looking to make an impact, don’t wait for a platform. Find where the ministries of the church need help, and start by serving quietly and wholeheartedly where you are.
2. Support Others with Encouragement
Hannah wasn’t just a daughter—she was an encourager. Whether proofreading devotionals for Dew Drops of Manna, helping record audio, translating content, or simply reminding us of God’s promises, she had a way of lifting others up.
Hannah’s gift of encouragement reached beyond her family and friends—it touched the halls of the public schools she attended. Her impact was so profound that, even four years after she left elementary school, her teachers still remembered her kindness and service. After her passing, the school created an award in her name to honor exemplary service, now given at every graduation. Among her peers, she was a quiet light. A classmate wrote us a heartfelt letter, sharing how Hannah had been a source of hope during a difficult time. If you want to leave a legacy, be someone who encourages—especially when others are going through hardships.
3. Prioritize God’s Word
Over 2,200 days. That’s how long her YouVersion Bible reading continuous streak ran at the time of her passing. She treasured God’s Word above all, making time for it every day, no matter how she felt. That’s a legacy anyone can build—no special skills required, just daily commitment.
In her room, we discovered a precious notebook, lovingly handwritten each Sunday. Page after page—75 in all—were filled with thoughtful and detailed notes she took from the Sunday morning sermons preached by various pastors. It’s a beautiful reflection of her hunger for God’s Word and the quiet faith she nurtured week after week.
In a world full of distractions, sufferings and life’s challenges: anchor your life in Scripture.
4. Care for Home and Family
Hannah’s ministry began at home. At times she helped cook and bake, helped with her sisters’ schoolwork, reviewed their Sunday school memory verses, and handled many household chores when we were busy with church ministries. Discipline and avoiding procrastination were hallmarks of her life. If you want to be used by God, start in your own home.
5. Live Counter-Culturally
She wasn’t drawn to trends or social media. She understood that her worth didn’t come from fitting in but from walking faithfully with Jesus. Her courage to be different—even in a world that pressures conformity—is a reminder that Godliness is still beautiful. A legacy worth leaving is one that stands apart from the world and points to Christ.
6. Courage from the Lord
Hannah was also a woman of quiet courage. Naturally reserved and not one to seek the spotlight, she wasn’t someone you’d expect to lead from a stage. But when the AWANA ministry needed direction, she stepped up. Relying on the Lord for strength, she became a steady guide—even to the adult leaders. When asked about her boldness, she said simply, “I was afraid—but there was a need, and God gave me the strength.” Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s trusting God enough to serve in spite of it. That’s the legacy Hannah left behind.
7. Served till the end.
Even in her final days, Hannah’s heart was fixed on serving. Sitting in her hospital bed with IV lines in both hands, she told the AWANA leaders she was ready to help with the upcoming anniversary event. Her body was weak, but her spirit was unwavering. After she passed, we found the last two notes on her iPhone—lists of preparation steps and tasks for the anniversary, written just three days before she went home to be with the Lord. Her life was a quiet, powerful testimony of faithfulness—right to the very end.
Life Application: Fight Your Good Fight
As we reflect on Paul’s words and remember Hannah’s life, we’re reminded that we all have a race to run. It won’t always be easy—life comes with trials, delays, and disappointments. But the goal isn’t to run fast—it’s to run faithfully. Hannah’s life showed us that even a short journey can leave a lasting impact when it’s lived with purpose and poured out for Christ. She served quietly, encouraged others, loved God deeply, and held fast to His Word—right to the end. Don’t wait for perfect conditions to be faithful. Start now. Pray steadfastly. Serve where you are. Encourage someone. Stay rooted in Scripture. Fight your good fight. Because one day, we’ll all reach the finish line—and what a joy it will be to echo Paul’s words: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”
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