Serena Livingston’s Abundant Life
Thousands of people went on the World Race, but never knew how much they owed to Serena Livingston. Serena worked with me to launch the World Race in 2005, doing so much behind the scenes to bring God’s dream to life. This past week, she passed from this life into the next. And I thought, “It’s time people better understood how she made this world a better place.”
I originally met Deryck and Serena when they lived in New England and worked with young people. Their youth went on an Adventures missions trip to West Virginia and we connected deeply.
Later we decided to work together. Our families became close friends and did home church together.
After their two girls got old enough, seeing how much I needed the organizational skills she had, Serena came to work with me. Starting the World Race together was quite a ride. I can be a challenging person to work with sometimes. I tend to move quickly and take on a lot. I need partners who can cover the gaps I sometimes leave. And Serena was the perfect partner. I’d get ideas as to how to shape the ministry, and then Serena would put shoe leather on the ideas.
We encountered so many obstacles along the way, but she never got flustered. The World Race became a phenomenon, changing lives and activating a generation to care for the poor and share the love of God around the world. Serena never wanted the limelight that others got. She was happy just helping others make a difference.
Of course her family knew how remarkable she was. Her daughter, Gennie, wrote this tribute:
Her life was FULL of wonder. She’s the one who made me want to live on a sailboat, like she did when she was dating my Dad.
She loved watercolor, tennis, travel, reading and her stand up paddle board. And she LOVED babies.
She worked as a gymnastics teacher, a yacht builder for the America’s cup, a diving instructor, a traveling missionary, a homeschool mom and when my sister and I left for college she got her Masters and went on to pursue her PhD.
She became a director of gift administration at RISD and spoke at a big conference the month she got sick. Here is to many waves and many chapters and many lifetimes all within one.
Her life reminds me of what it means to dream, to live a life of purpose and drive and passion and to never put yourself in one box. She was warm and welcoming and tough as nails. I’m carrying her spirit with me into the next venture and the next, and I can’t wait to watch it grow in my kids.
I’ll think of you every time I book a last minute trip or take big joy in something tiny like a ship’s log or an ice cream sandwich. I’m picturing you paddling on pink skies and walking with Jesus. Every memory and story that’s shared of you is bringing me so much joy. We are so lucky to have had you as our mom, and I’m taking a million pieces of you with me everywhere I go.
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What a hole in our lives she leaves! Serena understood the great abundant life on offer to those of us who seek an intimate relationship with him. And she showed us how to live it. She was an original.
We who knew and loved Serena received a precious example of what’s possible when you walk out your relationship with God always believing he will come through for you. I for one intend to carry on this legacy she leaves us. What a gift Serena was!
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Seth, you’re bringing attention and honor to a common saint with uncommon gifts and tenacity. l remember her and your inimitable teamwork. Heading over for online church, lunch and reflective moments with a 92 year old mother, l’m asking for the same spirit of service to guide me that infused your friend. Love never fails. Love you.
Serena’s kindness touched my life, and watching her with her kids and husband was an example too. Serena’s smile spoke volumes of her love for Jesus.
Until we meet again,
in gratitude.
Thank you Jesus that she has received her full reward! And a great reward it shall be!
What an amazing woman she was, I’m a better person for having known her. Till we meet again Serena!
What a beautiful tribute! Thank you for taking the time to remember out loud someone who literally changed the world without every needing the limelight. Both personally and professionally, Serena brought out the best in all her work and relationships. She’s a treasure who will be deeply missed earthside, but I’m so glad for the hope that we’ll see her again one day. Cannot even begin to imagine the projects she and the Father are already co-creating in heaven. Do you think they have color-coded post-its there??!
Thank you, Hanna. As I looked around in the old notes I kept of the early years of the World Race, I think you were employee #3. You saw Serena when she was at her best! Thanks for loving her well and for serving the Lord so well.