"Study to show yourself approved."

My grandfather taught me that as a small child.  Looking back I realize Granddaddy was packing my head and heart with as much scripture as possible.  At eight years old I was reading scripture rather regularly in Wesley Chapel AME Zion church.

Did my grandfather know he was building my confidence?  I know it was my grandfather that was instrumental in my role of assisting the pastor.  No, I'm not talking about reading for Children's Day or Easter Sunday.  I read as an equal partner with everyone on the rostrum.   When it came my time to read I stood on a little stool, breathed in and illuminated the scripture.  I remember projecting and articulating each and every syllable.  Reading with expression in my greatest melodious voice. I felt like an equal partner with the pastor , (you see) quite often I would be the only child in the pulpit.

My mother told me ;"They just picked you cause you talk proper ...you sound lak you white."  Some how I didn't quiet buy that.

Wesley Chapel was quite progressive in the late 50s and early 60s.  We had a woman pastor, Rev. Ethel V. McIver.  Every where she went, we went.  Most of the churches we visited refused to let her sit in the pulpit with the "men", only a precious few would let her preach.

I remember my grandfather putting some anti-female preacher rabble rouser in his place.  "GAWD aint NEVAH called no woman to preach!  Sho' me in dat Bible whur GAWD called a 'ooman (woman) to preach! Sho" Me and ill eat yo' Bible!"

Granddaddy, always cool, always calm, simply responded; "Show me whur GAWD called a Gentile to preach and not only will I eat your Bible, I'll bring duh maynaize!"

So, I've always studied my Bible.  I love to read it, never tire of it.  Children what you need is in GOD's WORD.  Read it, learn it, tattoo it on your heart.

Peace,