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As I See It

Spring, Summer Months Time For Homecoming

If this column makes it to my editors it will be nothing short of one of God’s miracles. While trying to install a printer program I successfully shut down my computer. No big deal. I decided to use the one my wife and granddaughter uses. There are three users on that computer but it would not let me sign on under my account. So I did the next best thing and am using my granddaughter’s account. I only hope that I can transmit my data and not her data. Only time will tell so here goes.

At one time I have told my church members that if Christ decided to come I hoped He would not come in April, May or June because people would be too busy with homecomings. After a wonderful homecoming at Shady Grove, my home Church, I have decided that Christ would be most welcome at homecomings. God provided us a great day of weather for homecoming and between 90 and 100 people was present. It not only was a Church homecoming but one of families and associated families of the Church.

We had a wonderful and a beautiful worship service. The music done by Carol Tuberville and Becky Roland could not have been better. We were fortunate to have The Reverend E. Allen Bailey, Jr. of Indianola bring the message. Brother Bailey was Pastor at Shady Grove in 1950 and I believed served for 4 years. He said if the Lord allowed him to live until August he would arrive at the age of 86. His message was wonderful. I was delighted to have him since he baptized me in that Church at the age of 12. Now Brother Bailey and I enjoy the retirement dinner together at Annual Conference. How time has a way of getting away from us.

It was a wonder day to remember growing up in that Church and community. Being able to see older family members and new ones that I had not seen was great. I have often read that a person was “a self made man or woman.” When and if you read that statement please know that there is not an ounce of truth in it. We are products of families that brought us into this world. To be sure what we do with what we have been given is important but we are still products of those genetic blueprints. To have the opportunity to remember my parents who have gone home, my grandparents, great-grandparents and so many people who provided an example for me was wonderful.

The book of Hebrews mentions in Chapter 12, “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” What a comfort to know that those we loved and who have gone to be with the Lord are still cheering us on. They are like “balcony people” cheering us on to victory. That is one great thought to me. It has always been a wonderful assurance for me to know that every time I step in the pulpit those who have gone before me are supporting me from Heaven! Just think what a wonderful assurance we have.

Please be thankful for your family and your Church. No two greater things exist. Give God the Glory for both.

I am grateful that we can come together as families and share in our common heritage. I trust that you are just as thankful. If you are not then ask God to help you get closer to Him.

“Billy McCord is a retired school administrator and an Elder in the United Methodist Church. He is Pastor of the Pittsboro and Shady Grove UM Churches in Calhoun County. He is a member of the Calhoun County School Board. Contact him: billymc@tycom.net)

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