February is the month that has historically been set aside to celebrate Black History Month and pay homage to the notable men and women who have made countless contributions to the world that is today. Both the members of the Brown and Ragland families have been a blessing to my life. Yes, wonderful people and works come from the mountains of West Virginia by way of House of Prayer #4 in Charles Town and Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Lewisburg. This year, I would like to highlight the remarkable men and women in the Brown family that believed the words penned in Mark 10:27, “… “Without God, it is utterly impossible. But with God everything is possible.” What was possible you may ask? The faith of one William and Florence Brown to raise in a faith-filled home seven children, that have birthed thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
I will eternally be grateful that I had praying grandparents and therefore praying parents. It is and will forever be evident that my grandparents built their home on God’s word specifically Joshua 24:15, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” I remember the last service I attended with my grandmother. Her grandson was preaching and playing the organ, her sons were on the bass and guitar, her granddaughters were leading in praise and worship, her daughter was directing the choir, her daughter-in-law was playing the piano, and another grandson was playing the drums. One thing is for sure, with the gifts and talents bestowed upon the Brown family you can be guaranteed that church can sho nuff’ take place.
I am thankful for family, faith, and for the values that are the fabric of my life. I am thankful for the lessons that life has taught me. When growing up one of my uncles could always be heard echoing, “Bless Lord. Bless Jesus.” I will confess that I did not understand the depth of his prayer and praise. But as the senior saints often say, “Live long enough and you will understand.” They are right and I now understand the words he echoes and their value. Often times I get peace and comfort from his phrase in conjunction with the memory I have of my father and his utterance of, “Jesus” from time to time. As I watch the news in the world as I see it today, I take comfort in God’s word and in the hymn penned by Jennie B. Wilson:
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand,
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Refrain:
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Trust in Him who will not leave you,
Whatsoever years may bring,
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling.
Covet not this world’s vain riches
That so rapidly decay,
Seek to gain the heav’nly treasures,
They will never pass away.
When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view.
Refrain:
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.