PS-My words-Part 8

As I have mention in a previous blog that Daddy wanted only me to read his Statement of Faith.  I really didn't want to because I felt I would be too emotional at a time like this.  Since we had two weeks to prepare before Daddy's passing, & since I knew with confidence that Daddy wanted me to do this, then I knew that the Lord would give me the strength & courage to do what Daddy asked of me.

The morning of the service, I practiced in front of Dave.  I practice getting up out of the pew while holding onto Dave's arm as I walked up on stage.  My hose made my feet a little slippery in my shoes.  I practiced putting on my reading glasses & opening my folder.  I was ready as I would ever be.

I told Dave & the preacher that I might not spring up after Penelope's solo because I knew it was going to be a tear jerkier.  In fact I worshiped with my eyes closed, not to look at Penelope for fear of getting emotional.  Before we left, someone said that this was going to be a sad day.  I corrected them & said, "No, I will for sure celebrate until after my part in the program is done or I wouldn't make it through."  Then John said, "Wait until I'm done."

Well it was time for my part.  All went according to plan until I felt my legs shaking behind the big pulpit.  The closer to the end, the more they shook.  Dave later told me that he & Mac were watching my legs "go to town shaking."  I held onto the podium with all my might, & kept my finger right on the place I was reading.  I could feel the shakes go right up until it hit my waistline & then a lion's grip I took holding onto the pulpit until it was over.

Unbelievable, my voice never quivered.  In fact, the more I shook, the more volume with confidence came out.

Besides reading Daddy's Statement of Faith, I added a few words of my own about Daddy.  I will like to end this blog with those words.

1.  During these last few weeks, I have had so many sweet friends to come up to me to tell me what a Gentle man my Daddy was.  I know I’m partial, but I totally agree.  He was one of the most gentle men that I have ever known. 

2.   One of Daddy’s favorite verses was “My Grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weaknesss, most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ might rest upon thee.”   God made this verse real to Daddy many years ago while he was sitting on my Aunt France & Uncle Billy’s dock in Mandrin, FL.  I was told that Daddy felt like God had put him in a capsule of peace for days with this realization of  truth.  Daddy was so aware of his weaknesses, & God knew that.   Daddy drew grace & strength from this truth as he battled his weaknesses.

3.   Daddy was a big Repenter.  When God convicted him of sin or wrong doing, he was deeply sorrowful & repentant not only to God but to the person he had wronged to the best of his ability.  This will always be a vivid testimony before me as I walk with the Lord.

4.   Praying scripture out loud was routine for Daddy. This was as natural to Daddy as breathing.  He prayed this way privately, with Mother on a regular basis, & he felt safe doing this with his family & some friends.  During these last few weeks God showed me, in a small way, that Daddy was like a modern day Daniel when it came to his practice of his prayer life.   Daniel’s enemies knew that they could get Daniel in the lion’s den because of his practice of praying openly 3x daily.  Well, Daddy would be right there in the lion’s den with Daniel if  someone would try to take away Daddy praying  scripture out loud while he prayed.

                                      ann :)