Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
A fond memory of my childhood centers on the long drive in our ’54 sky blue Chevy to one of the little country churches in Missouri where Daddy used to preach on Sundays. We alternated between two churches from Sunday to Sunday because Daddy was considered a “half-time” preacher at both churches.
We would have to leave around 4:00 am on Sunday morning to make it to church by the 9:00 am Sunday school hour. Our journey started in pitch dark but as we would we get closer to our destination, the sun would come up bringing a beautiful, crisp new day.
Two or three miles outside our destination, I knew we were close because of the steep hill that we had to climb before we reached the little community. Always when we would get to that hill, the anticipation started to grow in me just thinking about getting to the top.
As we climbed uphill in our car, I would change positions and sit on my knees backward in the rear seat. (That was before the seatbelt law and even before seatbelts!)I peered through the back window glass simply amazed at the long road behind us. I could see the landscape of the whole countryside from the top of the hill. The scene, I thought, stretched for thousands of miles around and in my childlike mind, I thought not only Kansas City lay behind me but far away places like China and Africa as well.
From that view, I could see the road we had traveled that led back home. I also knew that just over the top of the hill, the church, my friends and new adventures waited for me. The anticipation of where I was going just added to my excitement.
As I look back on my life today, I can recognize the road and the places I have been. Many times that road has been difficult. Many times that road has been troublesome. There were times that I thought I would not make it to see the next day, and frankly did not want to.
But today we find ourselves in a new road for our family. Our son John Scott will start the process to receive a heart transplant. But, even in with all uncertainty and unknown days ahead, we can say that God is with us.
We trust in the Living God because He knows the way. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5)
We trust God even though we may be afraid and discouraged. “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
We trust God because He is with us. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
We trust God because He has given our family peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
We trust God because we know He cares for us. “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
We trust God because even in the midst of trials and worries, He has given us hope, joy and comfort. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
So we do not fear the unknown road ahead because we know Him who knows the way.
Judy Brandon writes about faith for the Clovis News Journal. Contact her at:
