After working for the past year every Sunday, I finally decided to be disciplined enough to visit with people that inspire me, and that I've promised to visit.
Mr. James Davis was one that inspired me, and doesn't know that I'm blogging about him, so I can't get in trouble with him for boasting on him a bit.
Mr. James always spoke to me at the store, always encouraged me, and never spoke harshly to me, of me, or of anyone when we spoke. He did however, invite me to church with every encounter. Today I honored that invitation.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him." Hebrews 11:6
I think it pleased God to see Mr. James' persistence pay off. I was in church and met a host of new friends. I met people genuine in their compassion, and enjoyed a great service at Friendship Baptist Church.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Mr. James hoped God would move me, because he hadn't seen me until today. Hahaha! Upon seeing me and hearing my testimony, Mr. James blessed me with more kind words and asked me to call him when The Lord blessed me to under-shepherd His people somewhere, so he (Mr. Davis) could come hear me speak. It puts chills on me that someone still sees me as a man of the Most High, or that someone sees just a smidgen of Gods' presiding in me at all.
Before that I attended the early service at the Spruce Pine UMC where Pastor J taught about keeping the faith also. He reminded me that God makes a way out of no way. Pastor Jeremy taught from Exodus 14, using an analogy that referred to the Dukes of Hazard. Classic sermon, and I'll never look at the parting of the Red (Reed) Sea quite the same again. "Caught between a rock and a hard place, between the devil and the deep blue sea." Pastor J reminded us that even if some of us often have our backs against the proverbial wall that God is always faithful and delivers His children.
It was great seeing some very familiar faces; my band instructors from school, one of my star soccer players (pastor's daughter), a former cohort (band member) from the Playhouse, and others from other walks in my life. I had great experiences in both church families.
Following up church, I had a great time watching the Panthers beat up on the Lions and eating way too much of my grandmama's delicious Sunday Best, and spending time with my Baby Girl... Life is good! Now capping off a great day with a wonderful night! #SuperSunday with a #ProudPapa that wears the title each day and participates in #ADayInTheLifeOfAnImperfectChristian
Peace, blessings, and joy... That real PB&J!
