The Family Tree

We all tend to look to a living or historical person for inspiration. There are many wonderful people who have and are walking this earth, who could inspire you to do great things. But sometimes you need someone with a little bit closer ties. A family member perhaps.

The family tree is an amazing thing. You learn so much about who you are, why you are, and what makes you the individual you are.

I recently shared with you about my 5th great grandfather, Captain John Parker who led the Minutemen at Lexington. The life of that man has always inspired me to fight for what I belive in. To not back down when you know you are right. To keep pressing forward and worry about the consequences later. That attitude, unfortunately has put me in some pretty difficult situations at times. And has left me trying to repair the relationships with many people I had no intention of hurting.

I found myself asking, "Are you truly cut out for the ministry? Is it a calling from God or a selfish hobby? I began doubting.

Over the last week, I have had a few days to get away and reflect and pray. And I can honestly say, YES. The media ministry is where God has called me to be. So much so, that I'm planning on furthering my education through the AG Global University.

But education alone will not make me a better leader, I still have to work on the compassion side of the ministry. That is where the family tree comes back in.

My father recently uncovered a distant relative by the name of Peter Parker. He was a doctor and a minister. He was one of the first missionaries to China, and set up a health clinic that did cateract surgeries and tumor removals. In the 1840's. This man healed their bodies, then healed their souls through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As I have read more about him, I find his compassion remarkable.

As I begin this new chapter in my life I pray that God instills the power to keep pressing forward like Captain John Parker, but that he balances that with the compassion of Peter Parker. So that I, Richard Parker Foster can become the man that God truly wants me to be.