Things That Must Be Said
Even if God had never included #5 in His list of Ten Commandments, I’d still have reason enough to talk about my parents every time the opportunity presented itself.
And even if I hadn’t been born into their family, and raised in their house, I’d still think they were the two most Christ-like and well-loved people I know.
But, since these things are so, and this is my blog, I can’t help but write a few words about a very special milestone in their lives.
Over the weekend, we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the day my dad became the pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
We celebrated all week-end with hundreds of people who know and love my parents. Our sweet friends at Faith hosted a wonderful reception, and there were songs sung, words spoken, and tears shed (mostly by me), all in their honor.
Chances are, you’ve never heard of my parents. They’re not rich, nor famous, nor have they written books or had buildings named in their honor. And yet their influence has reached deeper than anyone I’ve ever known. First, in the lives of the three of us behind them here…
And through the years, in the lives of those with them here…
And then farther and farther into the lives of virtually every person that has ever met them. They are great people. But that’s not the power behind that influence. It’s the fact that Christ lives in them and they live Christ every. single. day. It’s that grace flows out of them and feels so authentic that when you’ve been with them, you feel like you’ve been with Jesus. These aren’t just my words. It’s how all kinds of different people describe them all the time.
But, since I’m the one with the privilege of writing here, I’ll speak for the masses. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your influence. When I “grow up”, I hope I’m just like you, because you’re just like Christ.
If you’d like to get to know my dad through messages from the Bible that will point you to Christ, click here to visit their site.
marty (A Stroll Thru Life)
July 21, 2014 @ 12:34 pm
Congratulations to your father and family for serving others and for showing Christ everyday. Such a beautiful and loving tribute to your parents.
Julie
July 21, 2014 @ 2:29 pm
Thank you, Marty!!!
Denise Greenwood
July 21, 2014 @ 12:35 pm
Congrats to your mom and dad and your family!! 30 years at one church is such a blessing!! I am a fairly new reader to your blog – happy to have found you through my good friend Jennifer from Dimples and Tangles π
Julie
July 21, 2014 @ 2:31 pm
Thank you, Denise! So glad you're here! π
{edie}
July 21, 2014 @ 12:45 pm
Some of my very favorite people in the world. Love to you all!
xoxo
Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home
July 22, 2014 @ 11:19 am
What a testimony…beautiful family!
Blessings,
Cindy
Julie
July 22, 2014 @ 12:16 pm
Thanks so much, Cindy π
pbrenner
July 22, 2014 @ 4:44 pm
What a beautiful family, and congratulations to your dad on such a milestone. I hope he has many, many more years of service – thank you for sharing your parents (and your) faith!
Patty
Julie
July 22, 2014 @ 11:32 pm
Thank you, Patty! I hope he has many more years, too π
Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane
July 22, 2014 @ 6:12 pm
Julie–What amazing parents you have, and what a testimony their lives are! Thank you, too, for using your blog to point your readers to the Cross!
Julie
July 22, 2014 @ 11:34 pm
Thank you, Christy! So kind! I don't want to do anything less with this blog π
Stacey
July 23, 2014 @ 10:32 pm
How neat! Your parents sound just wonderful. My MIL is someone that I would say is much like Jesus. It changes your heart to be around someone like that.
Julie
September 28, 2014 @ 8:39 pm
Yes, I agree! It's wonderful to be able to be close to someone like that and have their influence on your life!
waldropdonna
September 28, 2014 @ 2:04 pm
Wonderful! My husband is a Baptist pastor too. We have been in the ministry for 20+ years. I would love to just sit and listen to your mom and let her tell me how she has handled being a pastor's wife,mom, friend etc. I am sure she has lots of stories to tell! And my husband and I both would love to talk with your dad and know how he has led a church for 30 years! I am amazed and I admire them greatly! The best examples and influences are those that have not written books or became famous. The true servants who do what they do because they love Jesus and it's all they know to do. Thanks so much for sharing! Just happened on your blog from a Pinterest post about pumpkin butter.
Julie
September 28, 2014 @ 8:45 pm
Thank YOU for sharing these words. You get exactly what I've tried to convey here, and that tells me you and your husband are probably just the kind of Christians that I'm talking about. God bless your hearts for your faithful ministry. You are influencing more people than you will realize here in this life. I love it when I see God working in this little blog and using things as insignificant as pumpkin butter to connect me with people who encourage me and allow words I write here to encourage them! Thanks for stopping by π