Finding joy among sadness
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Pastor Chris Hill enjoys his birthday and Pastor Appreciation Month with his mom, Cathy, pictured at left, and his wife, Mandy. Photo submitted
Pastor Chris Hill and wife, Mandy, enjoy a special spread of delicious food from the Rockford Church of God family for his birthday and Pastor Appreciation Month. Photo submitted
Rockford Church of God enjoyed a beautiful appreciation celebration for Pastor Chris and Lady Mandy Hill; their three daughters, Dakota, Madison and Trinity; and his mother, Cathy.
Pastor Tony Thomas was the guest speaker, preaching from Psalms 23 with power and the anointed of God. Yokes were broken as he spoke the word and explained every verse of Psalms 23. A child could understand the meaning.
I am sure that every child of God could feel the presence of the Lord. He was all over Rockford Church of God, even in the fellowship hall. He abided with us as we enjoyed fellowshipping and ate some of the best food from Clanton and Rockford.
We also celebrated Pastor Hill’s birthday with his favorite cake and lots of love from family and friends. Minister Jerry Russell and his wife, Mrs. Christa, helped us celebrate with the best music.
Minister Russell is one great anointed singer. He always blesses us when he comes to Rockford Church of God. It was a wonderful day with Jesus.
We wished the Russell’s son could have come and spread some of his sweet spirit, as well.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is always to be remembered, and always pray for all who are affected by any type of cancer. I cut my hair every October to honor all women who lost their hair fighting this disease.
October is a bittersweet month for me. Many things happened to me in October.
I lost my mother, Beatrice, and my brother, Clifford (Sugar Foot), in October. I had a terrible accident on October 10 years ago. I’ve lost many loved ones in October, but cannot name them all.
I am also reminded of loved ones’ birthdays who are not with us anymore: my dear and best friend Bernice Hoyett-Wood on October 22; the greatest pastor ever, Pastor Michel White Haynes on October 3; my niece Denise Johnson; Union Square’s Belinda Lee; and others.
I was talking to my younger son, Kareem, about the sad things happening in October; he said to me, “Cheer up, Mom. You had me in October.” I laughed and said, “You are right, and that was a happy day.”
October 15, 1976, and he is still my baby.
I was then reminded of the most happy day of my life when I got saved and filled with the Holy Ghost on October 12, 1997. I was going to church, but I was not saved. To be reminded is a wonderful thing.
Don’t let your sadness take your joy. There was a time I did not like the month of October.
I would get down in the valley, and God reminded me when He took me from the valley to the mountaintop 25 years ago, and I am still flying my kite. Even when the mountain seems to tremble, the Holy Spirit keeps me flying.
I love the month of October now, despite the valley days and Halloween tricks. I have no fear when I am reminded that God is near.
Happy birthday to Thomas Lee of Union Square.
Best birthday wishes go out to my niece Sylvia H. Annerson, a Halloween baby, and to all October babies, including Vickie Scott and Mrs. C.K. May.
Our prayers go out to all schools, teachers, students, and all employees of the schools.
“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.”
Don’t forget to vote November 8.
Call Ruby at 256-935-1330 to spread your good news.