Page 49 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

xlvii

requested Keith give the bishop. This gold cross, worn by his
grandmother for over three decades, was given to Keith following
her passing on August 9, 2012. There’s something truly special
about this cross, as it holds a lifetime of memories with his
grandmother telling him biblical stories since he was a child.

A mere hour after she breathed her last breath, his
grandmother began to shed tears when Keith silently bade his final
farewell, promising God he would complete the BFG Handbook
before the year’s end. Keith desired to dedicate this book to his
grandmother in appreciation for the affection she showed him.
Through her unwavering faith and sharing her favorite biblical story
of Abraham's nephew, Lot, Keith's own faith in God grew stronger.
The cross serves as a powerful symbol, representing the faith, love,
and devotion of Keith's grandmother, while also serving as a
constant reminder of the blessings bestowed upon his life by God.

A few days before his public talk on Marian Day at Christ
Cathedral, Bishop Vann handed Keith a booklet about Christ
Cathedral from his personal library. Keith kept the booklet in his car
for a few days until his wife, Tracy, asked if he had noticed the
Bishop's coat of arms on one of the pages. Keith was astonished to
discover the five signs from God matched the five symbolic images
on Bishop Vann’s coat of arms: tree/river and stream, flower, keys,
monstrance, and cross. Keith initially had reservations about
presenting the cross as a gift to the bishop, as he intended to hand
it down to his children. However, upon discovering that the cross
held significant symbolism as one of the five images on Bishop
Vann's coat of arms, he had a change of heart and decided to heed
God's calling.