Love

Greetings on this Thursday morning from National Airport.  I am departing in a few minutes for Chattanooga, TN to celebrate my mother's 90th birthday.  This summer we had occasion to gather all the family for a grand celebration, knowing that all the grandchildren, great-grandchildren and spouses would most likely not be able to join her in January.  So, my three sisters and I will celebrate this wonderful woman's birthday on Saturday.  Her 90 years have blessed not only her family, but so many others. Her sweet smile and kind words have encouraged generations of folks along the way, and I am privileged to call her "mother."  Thanks to our CFN gathering last night for singing "Happy Birthday" to her by phone.  She truly appreciated it.

 

Our youth will be leaving on Saturday for a ski retreat in Bluefield.  Keep them and their chaperones in your prayers.  As always, check the Westwood Express you received yesterday for an updated prayer list.

 

Rev. Trisha Miller Manarin will be with us to preach this Sunday morning. Trisha is Coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.  I am looking forward to hearing her speak and I know you will be blessed by her words.  Several of our folks will be traveling on this holiday weekend so keep your church family in your prayers.

 

Finally, Dr. King often used majestic words to communicate his message of love and reconciliation.  He spoke of going to the mountaintop and of dreams where relationships were less defined by color, race, or other human distinctions that so often divide.  These lofty words remind us of the high calling that is ours as followers of Jesus Christ to love others, regardless, and to embrace the work of reconciliation that we all share.  May these words, hopes, and dreams challenge us all anew to see each other through the eyes of Christ.

 

Jim Abernathy