Dock Talk

OK so I didn't check out any purses on Wednesday like I said I would. Come on what was I thinking? I was at a funeral. It was a lovely service and military burial. I was much in thought as I am when I attend a funeral. I usually like to bring home some thought about the person's life that would influence mine. Something that I could learn from that person's life. This gentleman died at 86 years old (?). He went through several tours of duty in the World War II and the Asian wars. He was not a Christian then but apparently came home with one scar on his arm. God was with him and had purpose for his life. He became a Christian in his later adult years. Now, I know we can't put much credibility of Christianity based on church attendance only but this man loved to attend church. In his elder years, his favorite thing to do and the highlight of his week was attending church. This man was also an encourager to his peers and the many man who knew him. One of his favorite sayings and pieces of advise was "Go to the Lord with it."

I got to thinking of my aunts and my mother when I heard this. They had their favorite spiritual sayings, and all of which are very simple. They were very sincere in their delivery though often thought of as cliche. My mom has always said in her advise, "Keep your Eyes on Jesus." My aunt Linda would advise, "Prayer changes things." My aunt Frances would advise, "Remember, Jesus loves you." As a young girl, teenager, and even as an adult, these women would dish up the same words to encourage me. It truly was lovely thinking back.

So what is your standard words of encouragement? I have a few that always tend to come out. "This is just a season in your life. God had plans for it." "God is faithful and slow to anger." and "God is real. Talk to Him.".

Like, Dock, who passed away, I want to praise God for bringing me through the tough times, and protecting me. Dock's way was through devotion to his church and attending service. I want to honor the Lord in my life by "Going to the Lord" with my needs, and not run to the first person who will listen, so I can cry and lament. I want peaceful, trust and faith.

Last night at Wednesday night service, we were asked to bring our prayer request to the altar and pray. Many tears were shed on the altar asking God for forgiveness, unity, and a new start in dedicating ourselves to new leadership. It was nice, but I felt a conviction deep in my heart. We had a wonderful, preacher, and leader. I won't go into the details of his forced departure, but if I really think about it, we as church members are all at fault. As a whole, I doubt that any of us truly, faithfully, and continuously held our preacher up in prayer, daily! God's called men of God are not only attacked by the devil himself but those who let the devil lay hold of them. We as church members need to cover our preacher in prayer and the members as well. I will try and do my part this time, so no matter what the future holds, I won't be guilty of not doing my share to protect God's man.

Death has a way of moving people to change. I know I won't let Dock's life go to waste on me. If church is important to me and if I truly count the members as family, then I must attend and support. I must pray. I can do this. It might take a mark on the calendar or a daily note on my to do list, but it can be done.

I must note that as I understand it Dock didn't always appreciate the music, or some of the changes in the various ministries, but he didn't give up his attendance or support until his body gave up. Wow! It's so easy for me to skip because my head hurts, or I am sleepy. In these cases, my body is willing but my mind is looking for excuses. I am a sinner, girlfriends, but I can learn from my mistakes. I was once told I had a teachable spirit. I am recognizing this more and more each day. So everyday, I am looking for a lesson. It's just so hard to learn them and even harder to apply them. Why????

Ladies, have a great weekend. I hope to post this weekend but I am not sure. Check back if you wish. It is late Thursday night, but I just couldn't go into the weekend without meeting with you.

Thank you for reading and listening to my heart. acf