Living Light Book Two In the three-volume series The Way of Light

By John Scott Lecky

This may be a very common concern: we do not want to be forgotten. Many go to great lengths to be remembered, creating the larger cemetery monuments, establishing endowments in their names, and seeing to it that named bridges, roads, and buildings continue their memory. And who intends to forget them? But it often happens, nonetheless.

"Living Light" is a focus of writing to preserve memory, specifically on what made each of the strongest influences in my life most memorable to me. Glimpses of the life of each of these individuals are presented in such a way as to illustrate the Light of faith I saw shining through their life. These of whom you may read, were all significant, unique, Living Lights in my life.

As I pondered and worked to complete this set of writings, I could begin to see better the connection and influence of each of these individuals in what I think today, and in all I was writing. Clearly, to me it was time to build this anthology of memory.

The writing of each entry is meant to honor and preserve the memory of the person whose story I am telling. But, the greater inspiration to write this comes from the pages of the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is recorded saying, in chapter 5, verse 6, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." The "works" of each of these individuals became Living Light to me, shining on steps of the "Way of Light" that is revealed as the best way of life for our travels here and now. I am so grateful to The Father for each one of these people who have been so very significant in my life, and I write that their works may shine on.

Yes, I have written in the hope that the people, about whom these words are written, will not be forgotten. In recognizing the Light that each of these individuals was able to shine in his or her unique way, the greatest hope is that God will be glorified through the stories of their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798888519875

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Dedication

Author's Note

The Way of Light Series Notes

The Way of Light

Preface

Introduction

Living Lights

Albert Sylvester Pete Lecky: Think!

Lucille Alberta Marshall Lecky: Blue Ribbons Waiting

Oscar and Louise Young: Clear Choice of God's Kingdom

Kate Dorothy (Lee) Jones: Happy Valentime's Day!

Frances Ruth Fran King: The Light of Selfless Love

John W. Johnny Baldwin: What Takes Our Eye Becomes Our Treasure

Carl Nuss: Love Your Neighbor

Helen Everitt Magness: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Barbara Braglin Cinquepalmi: A Commonness of Kindness

Nelson Frederick Hackenberg: A Different Shade of Light

Victor C. Doc Smith: Excellence in Service

Naomi Pearl Barker Lecky: Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport!

Russell John Lecky: A Symbol of Discipline

Celebrating Memories

Elizabeth Betty Wood Hackenberg: 100 and Counting

Elenore Maxine Patsy Lecky: Not Unknown, Not Alone, Not Forgotten

Sylvia Slava Valencic: Happy Slava Day!

Olive Hunt and Jeane Dixon: Help Us Find the Way

Maria and Agathe von Trapp: In Our Life, Lord, Be Glorified

Senator Mark Odom Hatfield: Extraordinary Ethics

Glenna Robbins Post: 105 Percent

Vienna Bye Shoemaker: Decoration Day in Ohio

Zella: A Mother's Day Memorial Tribute to My First-Grade Teacher

Conclusion

Appendix

Acknowledgments

About the Author

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Living Light Book Two In the three-volume series The Way of Light

John Scott Lecky

ISBN 979-8-88851-986-8 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88851-988-2 (Hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88851-987-5 (Digital)

Copyright © 2023 John Scott Lecky

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Dedication

To Billie Alice Edwards Baldwin

"Brighten the minds,

Warm the hearts,

Strengthen the hands…

That reach out to serve others."

If after reading the writings of the memories in this book you are in any way more motivated to accomplish the above in your time, you will stand in the good heritage of one who, in her time, dedicated her life to doing the same and accomplished this so beautifully, Billie Alice Edwards Baldwin. Billie brightened my mind, warmed my heart, and strengthened my hands in my effort to serve others from our meeting in 1973 through the ensuing years, and continues even now after her passing last year, from her place in my mind that will live on until she helps welcome me back to our Father's home. The thoughts and words in this book are dedicated to the memory of her life and work accomplished in the hope that the Light Billie lived will shine on through her story and through the memories of the others in these pages to inspire, enlighten, and empower your service.

It was a chilly winter Sunday when Billie stood beside her preacher husband in the bright narthex of the Kempsville Christian Church in Virginia Beach, the day we first met. Both elegantly dressed in their black Sunday best, Johnny and Billie Baldwin were there to meet the congregants and present a trial sermon for the church's search for a new minister. Something unusual happened. If you are a Danielle Steele fan, you will be familiar with the phrase Their eyes met and held. I saw Billie at the same time Billie saw me approaching, and we have always agreed since, that God connected us in that instant, a connection meant to encourage each other in this life of His service. At the same time, Johnny smiled brighter than the light coming in through the double glass doors behind them. A loving match was made that would last beyond a lifetime.

Johnny was called that day to become the new minister of the church. The three of us rejoiced at the opportunity to work there together. They closed their ministry at the Collinsville Christian Church where Johnny had been preaching for twelve years and moved to begin their Kempsville ministry. I had been serving part-time as a youth minister for several months during my college junior year, and we served together for about two years until I moved to Tennessee for graduate school. A bit more about those days will come up in Johnny's profile, but I will tell you those days were filled with many enjoyments as I saw Billie live out the mission statement that began this dedication in her companion ministry with Johnny.

From that instant realization in the narthex through the years of Kempsville service, our connection continued on through the days when we lived in different places. Back in North Carolina, they would welcome my visits with trips into the Jefferson Mountains, celebratory meals at favorite restaurants such as Greenfield's, and long catch-up talks in their parsonage. After Johnny's passing in January, 2003, Billie and I continued visits at her West Jefferson home.

We also had many wonderful conversations over the phone between visits. She would relay her excitement with a new sense of service, difficult to conceive without Johnny, yet continuing her mission through lady's Bible studies and prayer retreats that reached hundreds of women across North Carolina and other states. And she continued her writing, nearly seventy-five years of daily journaling, until her aging eyesight diminished her abilities.

Billie loved to walk the rolling roads of her North Carolina neighborhood. Through the latter part of her ninety-eight years, she welcomed the visits there of friends from churches she and Johnny had served. But her greatest joy was to be with her family. Through several health challenges, the loss of sisters, and even her son John Watt, her family surrounded her with love and physical support, especially her daughter, Jan, with her husband, Paul. When we talked, Billie would say, Law, I'm so thankful for Jan and Paul. I'll swanee, I couldn't do anything without them.

In 2006, Paul helped Billie publish a collection of her seventy-four years of journals in a book titled The Road Is Mine, A Memoir by Billie Alice Baldwin (2006), published by Morris Publishing. This huge undertaking has resulted now in a resource that helps all who knew Billie to go back and listen again to her thoughts over the years, to be grateful for our little place in her life, and to be reminded of why we loved her so. Thank you, Paul and Jan!

And I will say thank you again to Jan and Paul, to Billie's grandson Shane with his wife Lisa, to their sons Ty and Evan, and to friends and caregivers who helped Billie cross to her new life of reunion in heaven in June 2022. In her ninety-ninth year, Billie was surrounded by love like she gave all her life to others. It was as much of a privilege for me to witness that love for her as it was to feel it from her from the beginning in the Kempsville church narthex.

Humans love sunshine. Its light brightens our day. Its rays warm our world. Its energy strengthens all that nourishes us for our life and work. The daily rising of the sun asks nothing of us for its service, nor could we offer anything to it even if we wanted to…

But this: to see it for what it is, Light. Sunshine is a perfect illustration of our Father's Light:

It brightens,

It warms,

It strengthens,

For service.

When Billie gave me a copy of her book, May 15, 2006, she wrote on the first inside page:

Dear John,

Do we have good memories or not?

I'm so thankful God put us all together years ago.

Don't forget me.

Love always, Billie

How could I ever forget you, Billie? This book is dedicated to her memory, with a hope for the perpetual memory and continued inspiration of these whom I call living lights in my life.

Billie Baldwin, center, Johnny Baldwin, right, and me at their West Jefferson, North Carolina, home.

Author's Note

It is said that there was once a man who spoke this to those listening to him, You are the light of the world. Legend has it that this man's father created light. Imagine, if that were actually so, the meaning of this man's words would be extraordinarily significant and merit serious consideration.

Because I decided long ago to believe that the legend and this man's words are true, my mind has been oriented to see the world in the light of these considerations. Consequently, my eyes have been opened, and blessed, to see that light of the world shine through the lives of many of those around me. They have become, for me, "Living Light."

The words that follow are my simple attempt to share what I have seen. I believe there is extraordinary significance of this Light for the meanings of life and for the lives that we together choose to live today. The persons of whom you will read deserve to be remembered. The shining of the Light in their lives is worthy of serious consideration.

May 31, 2023

The Way of Light Series Notes

The Way of Light describes the strategy by which we may live a most purposeful and fulfilling life. In a sentence with focus on critical words for understanding, the essence of the Way of Light is: to embrace the Light as central for our life, to become increasingly enlightened by it, to embody the Light with priority and sacrifice, to engage with others who see and do the same, and to excel in our unique service for the Light.

This book, Living Light, is the second in a series of three books; however, I present it in such a way that it, and each, can stand alone. The three books together form The Way of Light series.

The first book gives focus on Centering Light for comprehending and embracing the timeless value of Light to bring harmony, equity, and creativity in life.

This book gives focus on Living Light, clear examples of that Light lived out in life's yesterday world, and the way in which their shining brought powerful positive influence in my life.

The third book gives focus on Shining Light for today and for a brighter world tomorrow.

I believe the Way of Light is timeless, of universal spatial application, the primary theme of all the faiths and philosophies we know, and of equally significant value for all who will hear of any race, gender, orientation, standing, or age. It is very simple, and yet it holds the greatest power any world has ever seen.

To better understand the Way of Light, the following diagram of thought should be helpful. An outline of explanation of the image is included in the Appendix.

The Way of Light

The above eidetic* image depicts the Way of Light. This image presents a universal, timeless, foundational, and directive hypodeigm* for ethical action for pursuit of our common central purpose.

The center point represents our embrace of the Light as central for the purpose of human life, common to science, faith, and philosophy: To create together a mutually beneficial present and emerging future world, each person is a gifted artisan serving to fulfill that purpose.

The colored circle descriptions represent sequential steps in the pattern that direct us, each reduced to one action verb, moving from the twelve o'clock position, clockwise.

The white/colored arches represent interconnections among the steps of action that result in personal and relational advancement.

The golden circle represents the cumulative power of the pattern.

The sunburst radiating out represents the result of walking this Way of Light: fulfillment of our purpose by means of personal and civil advancement.

*These are two word usages that are significant for all that follows. Please turn to the Appendix for the explanatory outline.

Preface

Memorial Day, May 31, 2021, first writing; updated March 2022

A sense of guilt runs through my mind, sitting here at the beginning of Memorial Day, enjoying my coffee, knowing that I won't be going to the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Lakewood or Rose Hill. There will be no trip today to Millersburg, and Shreve, and Holmesville, to visit the graves of the Ohio ancestors, as in the past. In one of her last years, when we were decorating the grave of her parents, my mom turned to me and said, Well, when I'm gone, nobody will be doing this.

After visiting and decorating graves on Memorial Day every consecutive year of my life to that point, it both infuriated me and disappointed me that my mom would come up with such a statement. But I have concluded she was actually expressing an honest and common fear.

I preface Living Light with this rather unpleasant memory because it reveals, not so much that she was concerned that people would not physically travel to put flowers on graves, but that she was expressing the concern that she would be forgotten.

I believe this may be a very common concern: we do not want to be forgotten. Many go to great lengths to be remembered, creating larger cemetery monuments, establishing endowments in their names, seeing to it that named bridges and roads and buildings continue their memory. And who intends to forget them? But it often happens, nonetheless.

In all those fifty-some years of going to the cemeteries to prepare for Memorial Day and then also continuing through the summertime to water and tend to the graves, I heard story after story of the departed remains returned to the earth below us, now ascended to the Father above us. Interesting stories, many details, which I have forgotten. My parents were the age of the grandparents of my peers, and I think their era of time carried with it more of the custom to visit cemeteries. To remember, to decorate, on what was back then called Decoration Day. And I took on that interest, continuing the visits all the rest of the time I was in Ohio. But I also observed that they who visited increasingly struggled with the details of the memories of the family and friends who had passed.

Indeed, even these older people who took me first were the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the departed, of those whose names were engraved on the stones. As family, they felt it was their duty to visit and remember. Yet how many memorials we passed by with no flowers, or wreaths, or flags! Who were these interred? The forgotten?

There would be no way I would forget my mom and my dad, and my mom knew that. But with no children, what then would happen after my time? And what about those I really cared for who passed with no children at all? Who would remember them?

I have to guess, but I would say four or five years ago, it came to me that the best way to prepare to perpetuate the memory of a loved one is not just to speak those stories at the graveside, but to write them down, for my own recollection, and for the reading of any who would come after me. Family or not. In fact, to do so would have the potential to greatly expand the memories beyond just the immediate family, at a grave, on a cold May 30.

So I will say, roughly five years ago, I started writing down memories. Notes were first jotted on yellow legal pad pages, each for a different person I wanted to write about. I created a file folder to slide each set of memories into, and I first titled it Nicht Vergessen, German for not forgotten. I thought if I ever write a book about these persons, that should be the title.

I made a list of the people who were very significant to me in my young years, noting especially those without children. Sometimes, when something would trigger a memory about an individual, I would write it down on a slip of paper and add it to the file. There were days, often on birthdays, when I would take out the page for that person and just jot down more memories, gratefully celebrating my past interaction with him or her. In recent years, I started making an entry for each of these people in the notes of my phone, so when a thought occurred to me, I would be able to scroll to their entry and just add a line wherever I might be. That helped.

The more my faith paradigm construct took shape over the years, and the more I began to see its correlation with the logo I designed in the early 90s, the more I realized the fullness and the interconnecting way in which these individuals stood out to me in their influence. I began to associate each one with one of the twelve steps of faith that surround that construct. And I discovered that my uncle Pete's guidance to think was what centered all of this coordinated memory. I will add here that he was always most enthused to visit the cemeteries and remember.

The more I pondered the process of writing to preserve memory and focused on what made each influence most memorable to me, it struck me that the life of each of these individuals could be described in such a way as to illustrate the Light of faith I saw shining through their life. They had all been significant, unique, Living Lights in my life.

There I had discovered the better name of this collection of memories: Living Light. This is a much more vivid phrase to describe who the people behind the memories were to me, not to mention a title much easier to pronounce. It would become an anthology of short stories about the people who had the greatest influence in my life. Each, and all together, brought bright Light to my life.

I went back to the file and started to write the short story about one of these dear folks at a time. One memory would lead to another. And very often, a memory would lead to a question.

Fortunately, I have a cousin who is just a little older than I, who has a memory that is a lot better than mine. So periodically, I would call Fred Slaybaugh, in Columbus, Ohio, my cousin by my mom's sister, Ruth, and her husband, Fred Slaybaugh. Even yesterday we talked, and he helped me make a correction about the Lakewood Cemetery location. He has shared what he could remember about the questions I posed, but from time to time, we both came up with even more questions.

With many unanswered questions, I decided it was time to give in and subscribe to ancestry.com. Digging into that vast set of resources began to bring more answers, became helpfully enlightening, even offered surprise on occasion. And, as you might guess, with important answers, this tool also brought up more questions.

To find correct details on a few of these profiles, I had to make other calls and online inquiries. I researched the archives of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the General Motors Tech Center, and then contacted individuals in both institutions, who helped me find pertinent information for Doc Smith. His was among the most critical entries to complete, in my mind, because we knew of no family for him at all.

Calls to other neighbors back in Ohio, including Bob and Sharon Gandee, helped me reconstruct memories of life lived a bit before my time around Doylestown, Sherman, and Barberton, Ohio. Along with