A Blessing

At the conclusion of the memorial service for Frank Kemp's daughter, Carol Williams, Frank spoke a few words and gave a benediction. I asked him if I could share his remarks.


Carol was my pride and joy. She was raised by three mothers. Her first mother was JoAnn Hardy Kemp, who died from breast cancer when Carol was eleven years old. Her grandmother, Irene MacKenzie Kemp, then also became her mother until I married Barbara Johnson Moore. Barb became Carol’s loving mother for thirty-three years until Barb went to be with the Lord. These loving ladies and I were responsible for helping create the natural loving kindness and righteousness which was in Carol’s heart. Her righteousness reminds me of an old Scottish blessing:

Where there is righteousness in the heart,

There will be beauty in the character.

If there is beauty in the character,

There will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home,

There will be harmony in the nation.

If there is harmony in the nation,

There will be peace in the world.

So let it be!

Benediction:

May the Lord bless you and keep you;

May He cause his Spirit to shine upon you

And be gracious to you;

May he lift up his countenance

To smile upon you

And give you peace.

Amen