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| Lowe shares life lessons in Save Some for Seed - 9/18/2008 |
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SPRINGFIELD -- Retired IGRC pastor Don Lowe is sharing his life story in a unique way.
 Lowe has done a lot over the years, including writing an autobiography. His latest project, however, was publishing a book of letters he has written to his grandchildren called Save Some For Seed: Stories of a Life in Letters to Grandkids.
The book is filled with letters Lowe has written to his grandchildren over the years. Also included are some poems he wrote. In letters he tells stories from his life that can relate to his grandchildren’s.
“It’s been a good experience for me,” said Lowe, “I’ve enjoyed the pursuit of meaning in a form people can benefit.”
Lowe once took his second granddaughter to visit his father, the Rev. C. C. Lowe, who laid his hand on her and blessed her. Four years later, he started writing letters to his grandchildren. By then, he had a couple more grandkids, who began to come over and spend time with him.
“I began to play with my grandkids and get to know them,” he said, “I remember my special relationship with my grandfather.” He said would follow his grandfather and his friend and listen to their stories about the Civil War times.
The fact that his grandkids wouldn’t hear those stories or his parents’ stories is one thing that inspired him to begin writing.
“The main thing about my grandpa that I try to share is that his word was as good as gold, he was a fair person, optimistic, never said anything derogatory or harmful against others,” said Lowe, “He really stood for the goodness of life.” He added that family was also very important to him.
“He saved a lot of things for seed. It’s been seed for my life to grow on.”
In his letters, Lowe tries to convey the goodness and joy in knowing how to entertain yourself and try to contrast that life with the consumer-oriented life we live today. In each letter, he also tries to include some kind of morality tale.
Two years ago, Springfield Laurel UMC offered Share Shop, and Lowe offered one on the subject of letters to grandkids. Several who took the class started writing. However, they found it easier to write independent stories. It wasn’t what Lowe had in mind, because he writes to his grandkids, not for them.
He published the letters he wrote as sort of a textbook or example for ShareShop. He sent the book to family and friends for feedback. He received many replies.
“Some said they wish they had done that and some started,” said Lowe.
Since he has sent the book to family and friends, Lowe has gotten 25 or 30 replies.
“We call it our ‘fan mail,’” he said.
The book isn’t for sale. If someone would like to contribute to the scholarship fund at McKendree University for his parents and contact him at his mailing address (3304 Branchwood Dr., Springfield, IL 62704), he’ll send them a copy.
Lowe said he would advise everyone that as they grow older, it would be a good idea to do journaling and begin sharing their story in some way. Whatever form you choose, preserve it so others can learn from it.
“(Writing the letters has) given me fulfillment and helped me achieve abundant life that Christ promised to those who follow Him,” he said.
While in high school, Lowe felt a call into ministry. He graduated in 1942 and spent one year at McKendree University before being drafted into the Army from 1943 to 1946. He then spent two more years at college and graduated in 1948. He spent the next three years in Seminary at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where he met his wife, Dawn. Lowe graduated in 1951 and got married in August later that year.
Lowe served 43 years in the former Southern Illinois Conference as a pastor, two six-year stints as district superintendent and was assistant to bishops Woodie W. White and David Lawson for eight years. He also served briefly as interim executive secretary for the Illinois Conference of Churches.
By Laura Powers |
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