Riding Coat Tails and Red Letter Days

October 25, 2014

For someone who loves stories, family, history, and worshipping Jesus with like-minded believers, it was a red letter day!

I got to travel back in time once again, to that small country church I’ve told y’all about, where five generations of my family members before me have worshipped. Only this time my son and his family were with us, so you can make that seven! If you’re thinking the day probably makes me emotional, you would be correct. Although regular services are no longer held at Hickory Springs, the small church building that was constructed in the 1800’s far back in the woods of north Louisiana is well kept by loyal descendants of the May family. Once a year friends and family alike make their return trip to those hallowed grounds for a combination family reunion/worship service. Present are May family descendants, honorary May family members and ornery May family members, that last distinction was given to me by someone who freely identified himself more with the ornery.

As it has before, this past Sunday yielded particulars on family stories that I’ve never heard, like those I learned about my great-grandfather Harvey’s fall from a deer stand at the age of 83. Alone in the woods, unable to get to his feet from the resulting internal injuries, Harvey May summoned the strength to use his rifle like a cane. He even managed to pull himself through a creek bed before help came. That is tough stock right there!

And once again, I was introduced to people who seemed to love me on sight all because I was “Ruth’s granddaughter and Charlotte’s girl.” No doubt, you’ve experienced that sort of thing. Meeting someone who loves your people is to enjoy favor that’s long been established. You simply get to ride their coat tails.

That, friends, is a beautiful picture of the grace of Christ. As believers, we get to enjoy the favor Father God has for Jesus, His Son. Anyone who desires to know God can come in the name of His Son and be welcomed with open arms. Talk about a red letter day!

Hugs, Shellie

Comments

Kay R. Mitchell

October 28, 2014

This past July on the third Sunday, my Ramsey family and descendants had our 80th reunion dinner in Farmerville. Of course, we are getting fewer and fewer attending as with most families, all their family members are living too far away to make their day. Just in my family we have members from Washington state down to Florida shores. It always recounts all the memories and good times and sadly remembering those who have gone home to be with the Lord.

Thank you for all the times “you make our days”!!!!
Ginger Hayhurst

October 26, 2014

I enjoyed reading about the little church and your family and you riding their coat tails…… I said that many times there and now here in Charlotte nc when I talk about my times in LP and all the things I did there, like getting into the 3 prisons,and the different churches etc. I got in on my husbands coat tails ……VW ……I got his car still and it’s still a great car all I did was mention your name at Jim Taylor’s it’s a 2004 Buick rendevou….. 5900 miles just turned that….
Under His wings
Ginger hay
- Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
  
  October 26, 2014
  
  Aw, and in turn it was a great treat to find your note, Mrs. Ginger! 🙂 My every memory of you is a fond one. Blessings, my friend!