Ancestors & Saints

Melissa Logsdon – November 4, 2025 3 Comments

November 1 comes and goes without any fanfare in my life– unless you count the binging of Halloween candy as fanfare! 

This year has been different as many of my recent readings have highlighted the important role our ancestors can play in our lives today. I have been drawn to contemplate the church’s celebration of All Saints Day–which I had never observed. It is interesting to consider how all those known and unknown to us make up this vast assembly of those that have gone before us. And even more interesting, and comforting, how many believe that this assembly is cheering us on in life and faith.

So, the other night, when I came across the obituary of my great-great-great-great grandma (1797-1879) I was expectant to discover what I could learn from her life. Here’s four details from her obituary that have brought understanding, interest, and encouragement to me:

1. It was phrased that she “emigrated from North Carolina to Indiana in 1820” (Indiana became a state in 1816). This information sent me on a deep dive to all of the why’s of this immigration and America’s varied history.
2. She (and many of my ancestors) is buried in the same county where one of my dear friends lives. So, there will definitely be cemetery expeditions when I go on future visits to see this friend.
3. She was described as an industrious, hardworking woman and highly respected. I would  like to hope that I will be described so favorably.
4. Probably the most significant of all, and the most important for me to emulate, was how her faith was described. It mentions her joining a particular church there in 1826 and how she “continued to be a faithful member for [the next] 53 years, dying a strong believer in the faith of the Redeemer.” May my faith be ever so to the end!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, 

and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 

looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…

–Hebrews 12:1-2 NRSVue

I realized that I have been looking to the saints most of my life without often even realizing it! I look to many saints’ lives for wisdom and encouragement to navigate my life and faith. This realization prompted me to make a list of those lives that have encouraged me: 

• Abraham & Sarah
• Joseph
• Ruth
• Corrie Ten Boom
• Elizabeth Elliot
• C.S. Lewis
• Hudson Taylor
• Mother Theresa
• Teresa of Avilla
• Ann Kiemel Anderson
• Lilias Trotter

Who are those people for you–those you can, or do, look to in life?

As I reflected, I could see myself supported across time and space; I am part of an interconnected matrix of life and faith.

Looking to this “great cloud of witnesses” and to Jesus, I find encouragement “so that I will not grow weary in my soul and lose heart” (from Hebrews 12:1-3).

Therefore
I lift my drooping hands
And strengthen my weak knees
And make straight paths for my feet
So that
What is lame
May not be put out of joint
But rather
Be healed!
–Hebrews 12:12

And, rather than look only to what is seen around me, I look to the unseen heavenly community that I have been invited into: God’s city–filled with God, Jesus, innumerable angels caught up in celebration, and this great assembly of those that have gone before us in the faith (Hebrews 12:22-24).

May you and I have the ability to grasp just how much rejoicing–like a parent over a child’s first steps–surrounds each and every victorious step we take! And, may we be found faithful to the end!

–Melissa Logsdon, NCF Associate Pastor