A Gift!

None of us should live our lives to receive accolades from people. If we do, that in fact may be our only reward. People can give you great praise one minute, but that praise may not amount to much of anything later. Jesus received a royal welcome when he entered Jerusalem, the people were hailing "Hosanna in the highest, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" and five days later those same people were shouting "Crucify him".

As believers our goal is to live and die for Jesus on this of eternity and our reward is heaven on the other side. Occasionally, we receive the gift of knowing that we have touched the lives of others. We've made a difference, instead of making a mess. Sometimes after a loved one goes on to be with the Lord the family receives that gift. 

In the wake of my brother's home going, I want to share with you something that a friend/customer of his took the time to write and send to the Galveston Daily News. He didn't write it because Nelson died, he wrote it because Nelson lived. What a gift.  

Letters for May 26, 2011

Gentleman Cab Driver Will Be Missed

On May 16, I called for Yellow Cab to take me several places as my car was in the shop. Upon returning home, I realized that I needed a bag of ice. I called Yellow Cab and asked if my old friend “Nelson” was anywhere on the East End, and if so, could he pick me up a bag of ice and deliver it to the Galveston Yacht Basin? He did so. We talked for quite a while, as I had known him for years.

That Monday was his 58th birthday. Grateful, I gave him a gracious tip. The next day, I called for his services again. I was informed that he had died from a heart attack. He was buried May 24 in early morning services at Shiloh A.M.E. Methodist on 29th Street.

What I share here is not an obituary. It is due tribute and recognition. Nelson Holloway was in fact a friend to every hotelier, restaurateur and bar owner on this island, as he could be counted on to deliver your patrons, customers and guests home or to their hotel room alive, with their purses, wallets, keys and dignity.

During the years, I have in one way or another placed many fares in his care. Once, he even made certain I was home safe and secure, delivered to my boat after a long night out.

We might all take it for granted, but in a tourist town, not unlike New York City, cab drivers are an important part of the overall experience and essential. Nelson Holloway was exemplary in his performance.

They may not yet realize it, but every hotel, restaurant and bar on Galveston Island will come to miss him, as I do already.

Michael A. Basham
Galveston

Are we living a life that glorifies God as well as a life that leaves an imprint on the hearts of the people we encounter? The Word says...Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Let's live a life that pleases God AND a life that leaves people better than they were before they encountered us. The Jesus in us may be the only Jesus some people ever get to see. Jesus commands us to love one another. If someone were to write a letter to your local newspaper about you, what would it say? 

Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!