Legacy by Steven Vongchanh

The man pictured above was a pilot in the United States Air Force. He served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He was a prisoner of war in WWII as he and his crew were shot down over Berlin in 1944. That man taught me how to play solitare. He taught me how to hook a shrimp and fish salt water. That man loved his wife and family. That man is my grandfather.

​Our family used to take long summer trips down to Port St. Lucie every year. There we enjoyed a beach which was a five minute walk from our grand parents house. A house which backed by a dock and bay we fished off of. Manatee and stingrays would pay us a visit every year if we were lucky. And being the only male child of the group, I remember car rides with my father and grandfather to one of the many local marinas for tackle and bait. All my childhood I never saw my grandfather angry. I do not think he was a man of faith, but he definitely was a man made in the image of God for a purpose.

In WWII he was an inspiration to his fellow man. With a beautiful wife at home, who would be called Betty Boop, he and his crew recieved a new B-17 bomber when they joined the 100th and painted on the side Betty Boop and calling her the "Pistol Packin' Mama." They provided hope to the men serving their country hope and love.

I have indeed been blessed to have such an amazing foster family. And I owe everything to my Father in heaven for having a plan and work in my life. He provided for me when I could not provide for myself. There are many in this world who do not have strong family relations. That do not have great role models for parenthood. Perhaps you are one of them. What does that legacy look like? How can we break, or help break the chains and set free ourselves and others to live freely in Christ?

I pray that we are all able to remember those who faught for us for the freedoms in our lives today. I pray that even though there may be pain, hurt and destruction behind us, that there is hope in front of us. I pray there is love, hope and healing today and in the unseeable future in our lives. And I pray that we can see and be a hope of a future to someone today. And that our actions and our legacy point to you and your marvelous work. Thank you Father for this love and this life. I give you all praise and all glory, through Jesus Christ, Amen.