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| Raised in Church |
My grandparents on my mother’s side were true worshipers and
devout Christians. My grandfather was a traveling evangelist who pretty much
covered the state of Texas preaching the gospel.
My siblings and I were raised going to church. I remember my
sister and I, sitting next to my mother with our feet dangling off the pew — my
brother was not born yet, but they faithfully drug us to church. There were times
when I dreaded it. I could tell some stories — but we’ll save those for another
day.
I am 58 years old now and looking back I am really glad and
thankful to have been raised in a Christian family. It was to my advantage.
When I was in elementary school, the pastor was my Sunday School teacher and he
made us learn our books of the Bible and recite them in front of the church. To
this day I utilize those skills on a regular basis. God called me to be a Bible
teacher, and having attended hundreds, maybe thousands of Bible classes has put
God’s word in my soul so deeply that I feel committed to it.
There’s a blessing in being in the presence of God. His
favor was handed down to me by my grandparents through their seed, and I’m walking
in His favor because of them… and all the other brothers and sisters in Christ
that came across my path since my feet dangled off those pews.
The Easter speeches, Christmas plays, youth choir, usher
board participation, Bible drills, and numerous Sunday school teachers all
played a part in who I am today.
The apostle Paul encouraged young Timothy who was also
raised in a godly family saying…
“I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you,
which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I’m
persuaded is in you also. You must continue in the things which you have
learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that
from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you
wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15)
My earthly father is in heaven now but today would’ve been
his 80th birthday. I hope my
life honors him. Happy birthday!
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove