Messenger. That is the word chosen this week by author, Lisa-Jo Baker, for Five Minute Friday. And so the clock begins ticking as hundreds of bloggers participate in our weekly free writing flash mob…
Messenger brings to mind the great Pastors I have been blessed to know and receive the word from.
Dr George Tolman was the messenger of my childhood who was soft spoken, had an infectious smile, offered the best children’s sermon and had an impressive collection of Snoopy ties. He pastored my family through weddings, baptisms, funerals and everything in between. Dr Tolman was a Godly man who shared a biblical message in everything he did.
The Reverend Frankie Oliver counseled me through a difficult adolescence. Her unwavering love and most forgiving heart was one that my family counted on. Frankie taught me to rely on God and helped me to truly understand and believe that ”with God all things are possible”. She is a Pastor, a Counselor, and a Friend.
In more recent years my messengers have been two congregational Pastors. Both with amazing gifts to share scripture through relatable stories and with engaging animation. Pastor David Shirey was my Granddad’s best friend. He dedicated and baptized my oldest son, baptized my husband, counseled my family through the loss of my Granddad, and officiated at our wedding. And Pastor Brian Frederick-Gray dedicated my youngest son and continues to energetically serve our home church in Arizona.
These messengers have offered me weekly sermons, shared hugs & giggles, dried my tears and have been there in my life’s most memorable moments.
I thank God for these messengers.
– T
