Today is that long anticipated time of something wonderful and exciting that has happened in our family. It occurred at 5:18 this morning (EDT) in Jacksonville, Florida. A new baby boy has been born to my niece Elizabeth. His name is Tristan, weighing in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces. He is the first great grandchild for my parents, and my first grand nephew. We are all excited and filled with joy about this new miracle that has come into our midst. My sister and brother-in-law are ready and willing grandparents. They have helped my niece during the past several months. She has lived with them to experience a sense of home in a nurturing environment as her husband completes his duties in the military. My sister’s church, First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, Florida has undergirded them and supported them while my niece stayed with them. Isn’t this what family and church are all about, loving, caring, nurturing and ministering so that one knows they belong? They know, because love is shown in tangible ways, not just by word of mouth. They know, because love isn’t shown just once, but many times, through little things like hugs, cards, acts of kindness and encouragement. When someone shows us grace and mercy, that we don’t deserve, it is sometimes difficult to fathom the depths and sacrifice of their love.
This past Sunday evening, within the hour of 5:00 PM, while talking to my sister about the coming of the baby, I received news of our beloved Kathryn Tucker Windom, one of Alabama’s greatest story-tellers, and her home-going to Heaven. I sat in silence for a few moments trying to gather myself as waves of thoughts poured over me about this wonderful lady, and her big hat that she would wear as she told of her experiences in and around Selma, Alabama. Even though a life-long Methodist, because of her friendship with Sarah Jackson Shelton, she would come to Birmingham to speak at Baptist Church of the Covenant. Also, she appeared many times on Alabama Public Television telling of special events and things that have happened in her life and Alabama. She didn’t mind expressing her opinion or telling you how she felt. She would have you on the edge of your seat, ready for the next word picture or phrase to let you into her life and world. She had a very special gift and didn’t keep it to herself, but shared from her life, many meaningful things that could have you laughing one minute and perhaps crying the next, but always with the determination that you need to persevere.
Let us be people of perseverance. Let us be people of grace. Let us let people into our lives by sharing the love of God and showing them mercy and peace. Why don’t you join me in living life to its fullest? Give someone hope today, this very day!
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind blow at your back,
May the sun shine warmly on your face.
May the rain fall softly on your field,
And until we meet again,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Amen.
-an Irish Blessing
As we serve together, I remain…
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Word of Hope - "Give Me Jesus"
“So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22
Last Sunday morning, I was thinking about Memorial Day and all of the sorrow wrapped up in the countless lives that have been lost in wars fought for our freedom. In my mind I kept hearing a classic Spiritual, “Give me Jesus.”
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.
The words poured over my mind, and the music filled me so that I realized that I was at prayer for those who have lost loved ones during war times, those whose names I know and those unknown to me, but known to God. The song continued in my mind:
When I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Give me Jesus.
So often we are afraid: Afraid of what was, afraid of what is, afraid of what is to come. As I heard in my mind and heart the tune to this old, old song, I once again realized that not even death could separate us from the love that Jesus had and has for us, a love so great that He would spend his last words preaching to and praying for all of us who would be His disciples. In its conclusion, the song says:
When I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Give me Jesus.
Facing his own death, Jesus reminded his disciples that while they would have sorrow, he would see them again, and their hearts would rejoice in such a way so that no one could take their joy from them. Last Sunday, as I thought about that old Spiritual, a certain peace filled my soul, a sure knowledge about the faithful love of Jesus. As I drove to church I heard that song over and over in my head. I think it is perhaps one of the most powerful benedictions to any day or any life, words sung or spoken, thought or whispered: Give me Jesus.
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, grant me your peace. Amen.
Joyfully serving along-side you,
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson
Last Sunday morning, I was thinking about Memorial Day and all of the sorrow wrapped up in the countless lives that have been lost in wars fought for our freedom. In my mind I kept hearing a classic Spiritual, “Give me Jesus.”
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.
The words poured over my mind, and the music filled me so that I realized that I was at prayer for those who have lost loved ones during war times, those whose names I know and those unknown to me, but known to God. The song continued in my mind:
When I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Give me Jesus.
So often we are afraid: Afraid of what was, afraid of what is, afraid of what is to come. As I heard in my mind and heart the tune to this old, old song, I once again realized that not even death could separate us from the love that Jesus had and has for us, a love so great that He would spend his last words preaching to and praying for all of us who would be His disciples. In its conclusion, the song says:
When I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Give me Jesus.
Facing his own death, Jesus reminded his disciples that while they would have sorrow, he would see them again, and their hearts would rejoice in such a way so that no one could take their joy from them. Last Sunday, as I thought about that old Spiritual, a certain peace filled my soul, a sure knowledge about the faithful love of Jesus. As I drove to church I heard that song over and over in my head. I think it is perhaps one of the most powerful benedictions to any day or any life, words sung or spoken, thought or whispered: Give me Jesus.
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, grant me your peace. Amen.
Joyfully serving along-side you,
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)