31st day of Lent

Today, I reflect on some of my spiritual ancestors. These are the people who have passed the faith to me. Of course, my parents fall into this category. They believed in going to church and making sure that their children went as well. They were dedicated and committed to the work of the church and the cause of Christ. Emboldened in my memory is my dad standing in front of the congregation placing his offering check in the offering plates before he passed them to the ushers. I wonder how many thousands of dollars my dad and mom have freely given to the work of Christ through the church - and they have never been wealthy people.

I think of my aunt and uncle who when we’d spend nights with them in the summer, they’d kneel before their sofas in their living room for prayer as a family each night before bed. Even my cousin who has cerebral palsy would leave her wheelchair and kneel for prayer. It made an impact on my life.

I think of many faces in small country churches that just did whatever it took to offer Christ to their communities. There was Ed Griffin and Bill Delay. There was Bob Manley and Edison Steel. There was Gene Yates and Penny Kilgore. And many more who had tremendous influence through their love and dedication. Their witness of faith in Christ still rings true in my heart to this day.

I think of many church people who I have had the privilege of knowing across my years of ministry who have been positive, “can do” Christians and have moved the church of Jesus Christ forward. They continue to show up with faithfulness and joy each and every week because they know Jesus died for them and for the world.

I can only hope my life will offer faith to someone who knows it and sees it. May it be so. Thanks, God, for my spiritual ancestors.