spiritual roots
Amy and I landed in Austin around 3pm today and we spent the afternoon and early evening with Kermit and Cindi, the pastors of my home church in Austin. I have roots here.
Cindi's dad was pastor when I was a college student. Pastor baptized me in water as a new believer. He officiated my wedding. He dedicated Jonathan. Glad Tidings was my home church throughout college and when I returned while Barry and I served as campus pastors at the University of Texas.
Roots. They feel good. These dear people remember me as a college student. They've prayed for me, supported me, taught me, been proud of me...and every few years I get to return. Even driving into the parking lot made my eyes moist.
For those who stay while others go, thank you for giving us roots.
Cindi's dad was pastor when I was a college student. Pastor baptized me in water as a new believer. He officiated my wedding. He dedicated Jonathan. Glad Tidings was my home church throughout college and when I returned while Barry and I served as campus pastors at the University of Texas.
Roots. They feel good. These dear people remember me as a college student. They've prayed for me, supported me, taught me, been proud of me...and every few years I get to return. Even driving into the parking lot made my eyes moist.
For those who stay while others go, thank you for giving us roots.
Labels: roots
posted by alicia britt chole at
7:52 PM
5 Comments:
These "previews" make me think of how we'll feel when at long last we finally arrive at our real home.
Like you, I have an appreciation for all things familiar and nostaligic - and my family roots most of all. I grew up in the bosom of loveliness and devotion, in a community that never locked its doors or worried about its children.
Going home now, even at the age of 60, isn't quite the same since all the old guard has gone on ahead of me; out of sight and reach for now. But that also warms my heart. No doubt when I show up in that far away parking lot my eyes will brim with tears too.
Kathleen
I'm with Sassy. Couldn't script it better.
~elaine
Hi,
I attended your "conference" this past weekend in Austin at Glad Tidings. Thank you so much for your wisdom full words. I left there truly inspired. And I loved your story and how you came to know Christ. Regarding your teachings....I have often felt hidden. You helped me realize that the only true person that matters, who sees me, has always. I look forward to reading the book in its entirety and also having my husband read it.
Again thanks so much
I'm so glad you enjoyed the conference! I loved being with you all. Thank you for receiving me so warmly. Enjoy the book!
I am glad that your roots at GT are so strong and that your experience was one of being embraced and loved.
I won't deny,though, how painful it still is that the very same people who nurtured you asked me to leave GT and never return.
That kind of disparity of treatment leaves me feeling at the depths of my soul that something is so very wrong with me. I attended GT faithfully for 4 or the 5 years I was at UT, and being asked to leave is something I'll most likely never recover from.
I can, however, because of Jesus' presence within me be glad that your experience is one of having a place to return home to.
I was in Austin in March, and I felt like I was floating adrift, like I'd never had a place there even though I lived and worshipped there during the very years you did, too.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home