Carrying on the Torch

   After a long hard battle with cancer, God told the Halls through Denver to "break the chains" binding Deborah to earth and to let her spirit go free to be with Him in paradise.  That night, on November 3, 2000, Deborah went home to be with the Lord.  This part of the book was especially heartbreaking for me as a reader, because having to let go of someone close is never easy.  Recently my grandpa passed away.  After several years of Parkinson's disease, my grandpa finally journeyed to his last stop: heaven.  When I was with my grandpa on his last night on earth, the pain of watching him suffer almost seemed to drown out the pain of soon losing him.  Later, during the visitation, funeral, and aftermath, I was not prepared for my grandpa's life to be forgotten.  I wanted everyone to remember his commendable acts.  Things he taught me, like persevering through pain, have become a part of me.  His example pushed me to a higher standard for my life.  Even though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the lives he has touched.
   In the same way, I believe the Halls desired for Deborah to be free of the pain and suffering on earth, but were unwilling to let her legacy die with her.  With some of Denver's last words to Deborah, he said, "I can understand how important it is to you that we keep on reachin out to the homeless. Now you done did all you could do.  And God has put it on my heart to tell you that if you lay down the torch, I'll pick it up and keep your ministry to the homeless goin. (Pg. 185)"  A few days later during her funeral, Denver delivered an outstanding message about Deborah and her mission,prompting a standing ovation from all the attenders.  In addition, due to Denver's oration, the Deborah Hall Memorial Chapel raised over $5 million dollars to continue Deborah's work.  In this way, Deborah's legacy continued through Denver and her family.

   
Ron speaks on Denver's part in the family during the time of cancer, Denver's the funeral speech, and the money raised because of it:

Watch "14:58-16:30"

 
Faithful to his word, Denver encourages people stop judging others and help them, in accordance with Miss Debbie's passion:

In addition, What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing, a new book co-written by Denver and Ron, gives more examples of what we can learn from reaching out to people that are different from us.  Through this book, Denver continues to share on faith and friendship, racial reconciliation, community outreach, compassion, and healing, just as he promised to Miss Debbie.

http://www.amazon.com/What-Difference-Do-It-Make/dp/B004KAB3F2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332036385&sr=1-1