A prayer inspired by the phrase "From now on all generations will call me blessed," in Mary's Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55.
Jesus, may your love and mercy spread from generation to generation in my family.
My grandpa Ed Kok,
who helped build Bethel Christian Reformed Church,
who farmed the land on Jackman Road,
and raised his family in the love of God.
Randy’s grandpa Richard Dobben,
who faithfully served God and his people,
who was a steward of the people’s money in his bank,
and raised his family in the love of God.
My grandma Grace Van Dalfsen Kok,
who loved her 8 children, their spouses -- the “outlaws” -- and her 30+ grandchildren
so fully and completely,
whose heart was bound to theirs like the hymn says,
“shedding a tear for their mutual woes,” pouring out her “ardent prayers”
for their shared fears, hopes, and aims,
and raised her family in the love of God.
Randy’s grandma Jenny Kolk Dobben,
who loved her husband and children dearly,
mourning a son lost to disease when he was only 12,
still mourning the death of her husband decades after he was gone,
who loved to read and travel,
greatly cherished by her grandchildren,
and raised her family in the love of God
My grandpa Jacob Burghgraef, the “hot ticket”
who shared his humor and joy with practical jokes,
who loved to experience all the good things of his adopted country, America,
who raised his family in the love of God.
My grandma Ada Minnema Burghgraef,
who loved and cared for her husband and two daughters,
who mourned the loss of their twin sisters born years before, too early to survive,
who raised her family in the love of God.
My father Louis Kok,
who was a true pastor, not just in his profession but for his family and loved ones,
who cared deeply for all, learning everyone’s life story within a few minutes,
sharing God’s love through his own acts of love,
who raised his family in the love of God.
Randy’s father Nathan Moon,
who delivered mail on a rural route to support his family,
who watched over and cared for his children and grandchildren,
staunch and loyal to them always,
who raised his family in the love of God.
My mother Frances Burghgraef Kok,
who loved her children and husband wholly,
who shared and passed on her love for reading,
and spread her humor to those around her,
making good friends wherever she roamed,
who raised her family in the love of God.
Randy’s mother Marjorie Dobben Moon,
who raised her five children while serving others as a nurse,
who provided a strong base of faith and trust in God
that stayed strong in her descendants
in spite of some negative judgment of Christians in their church family,
who raised her family in the love of God.
And now me, Mavis Kok Moon, and my husband, Randy Moon,
May the love we have for each other, our family, and our God
be strong in the lives of our children and their children and those yet to come,
from generation to generation.
Amen.
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