Nurturing Souls

Growing up in the church for me was a lot like going to a family reunion every Sunday. I wasn’t related to everyone by blood, but my church was and still is, one of the places that feels like home. We in the black community are known to have a plethora of play cousins, aunts, and uncles just to name a few. My church was no different.

I was blessed to be raised by all the church mothers. I wasn’t always the most confident person. I doubted myself daily and felt like the four-eyed kid with glasses couldn’t be as awesome as those around him. They never saw that. I remember once for my birthday Mrs. Beulah Hill got me a huge Hershey’s chocolate bar out of nowhere. I didn’t ask for it and yet there it was. I ate the entire bar by myself. It lived in the freezer when I wasn’t eating way more at a time than I should. She was always happy to see me. She made me feel special and important in a way that made me want to conquer the world.

About 4 or 5 years ago, she got really sick. My mom told me she was in the hospital, and we went as soon as we could. I don’t know if she was aware we were there or if she knew how important she was to me. But the way her nurturing soul had brought a smile to my face, I would’ve been upset with myself if I didn’t go to say goodbye. I remember looking to the sky and asking God so many questions. I asked if she was upset with me because she didn’t get to see me live up to my potential.

I was mad at myself for not getting to let her meet my wife who hadn’t come back into my life at the time. I wanted her to meet my kids. She was one of those people who would immediately notice if you’d grown a couple of inches and tell you how tall you’d gotten. Her marriage was something I saw and wanted for myself one day. She was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known.

The way God places people in our life to nurture the seeds of His love is unfathomable to me. The way the spirit moves and places relationships around us is a work of genius. People who see the things we can’t see and know God has a bigger purpose for us. They are amazed at our growth and know just the right thing to say to make it known. They are unselfish and do things just because it’s what they want to do. These saints are the pinnacle of service to your fellow man. I am thankful to have known Mrs. Beulah. I am grateful to have been someone she cared for. I thank God for the opportunity to share memories that won’t ever fade. I also thank God for the fact that legacies continue no matter what and all we have to do is pick up the mantle and continue to press forward. Amen. #wepreach #giverosesmonth