It's a privilege to be with you. Thanks be it to God.
When Cathy Huey suggested for people to speak on individuals who inspired their spiritual journey, I thought what a wonderful idea. I will set back and enjoy everyones stories. But something stirred in me -something I can not described --so on a whim, I told Trina I would speak. I asked myself what did I do?, when I was scheduled for April 12th. I hope my words will be pleasing to God.
First, I started looking up Bible verses. Timothy 6:11, "But you, man of God flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness", spoke to me. I have listed some of these virtues as you see on the wall. The Bible gives us many examples of people who demonstrate and inspire others in sources of strength, guidance, peace, hope, courage, and patience. My spiritual journey is guided by these sources that shape my actions and decisions daily.
Second, I had to Reflect --After reflecting, I determined that it takes an entire village. The core person who has inspired me spiritually is my mother. Growing up our family was expected to go to church every Sunday in a quiet way. As I believe that the Bible is a guidance of how you should live – my mother has been and continues to show me guidance of life such as:
Treating all people with compassion and love.
Being humble.
Responding thoughtfully and not reacting impulsively. I am still working on this!
Being kind.
Having a family that is loved, stable, participating in community activities, and raising me up in the Presbyterian family. I have been graced by the members of this church and am thankful.
As I mentioned earlier it takes a village, I will mention a few family and church family members (past and present) who have strengthened and encouraged me on my spiritual journey with their unwavering faith with their attributes/virtues.
Dad, brothers (Larry and Mark), nephews (Aaron, Adam, and Jordan) able to endure trials in every aspect of life.
Grandparents (Murl and Edith Peugh), their Righteousness. Esther Weir, Virginia Nelson, Level & Mary Ratts, and Faye Miller, their Peacefulness.
Helen Roberson, steadfast trust.
Reed and Carrie Boggs, Spiritual Maturity.
Pete and Cathrine Hoke, Quietness.
Norma Eisert, Believing in the power of prayer and Divine intervention.
Alice McGinnis, Patience, Stillness. At our Wednesday evening get-togethers it was known that there was a book according to Alice in the Bible.
Dr. and Elinor DeJean, Total Devotion.
Susie Lopp, Perseverance.
Julia Dyer, Confidence and Assurance in God's character.
Jo Barrett, Service to help others.
Teachers, Donna LaFollette, Jo Anne Gili, Ginger Morris, Paul Scifres, Carolyn Haag, David and Carolyn Beck, Betty Stanley, Jane and Bill Spencer-Pierce, Achieve what maybe impossible.
Ruby Davis and Jean Robbins, spreading the gospel through song.
Bill LaFollette, Love for all human life.
Rachel Davis, Commitment and Environmentally caring for this Earth.
De Davis, Decisions and Actions guided by God's love.
Trina and Wendell Brown, Hope.
Becky Duncan, Active engagement with steadfast love.
Bud and Cathy Huey, Genuine and Sincere Faith.
Finally, Nature encourages my Spiritual walk. Just seeing God's beautiful world/creation inspires me. Trees, animals, mountains, oceans, rocks, sunrises, and mustard seeds to name a few.
So, I realized that I also have a bible of wonderful stories that demonstrate sources of guidance in strength, peace, hope, courage, and patience. These stories have provided guidance and encouraged me on my spiritual journey. My bible has not taken centuries to compiled but I have been so graced and thankful to be surrounded by a lovely family, friends, and Presbyterian family that have provided useful instruction created by God's Word (Divine Guidance). These foundations create a community of faith which continue to stand and which I personally need continued guidance and reminders weekly. I praise the Lord for surrounding me with so much love!
I will end with Psalm 27:1, "The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be Afraid”
Amen!
