Lectureship
Well here it is February and I have not posted all year. I have been writing very little these days- for a few reasons….the most important one is that I have not wanted to share publically most of my thoughts—I have spent more time in prayer than I ever thought possible and I have had many thoughts to write about but….they have not made it on paper for the most part. But here it is February—and today my heart wants to share. It is that time of year again- Lectureship. It has been for the past 8 years my favorite week of the year. A time when FH campus becomes even more exciting than normal… A time when literally thousands of people come to be with each other and grow and love and learn and sing together at a place I love so much! I love going to the 7 p.m. singing and listening as the most beautiful noise is made to the Lord. I love sitting at the feet of some of the most incredible vessels that God has used to teach us from His word, I love watching little children who get to take a week from school to get there early experience of this incredible place, I love that our students walk around happier, getting to know some of the “older” generation and hearing stories from those like Brother Hardeman and Brother Flavil Nichols….it is incredible. But the reality is I selfishly have loved lectureship for one more reason—bigger than any of these- for the past several years- my dad and brothers and uncle and aunt and several cousins have all gotten to be here- (in my corner of the world). I love that time so much where I could watch my dad see old friends and I could hear stories from his time here at Freed-Hardeman. I loved to listen to him sing with a sincere fervor that made me so proud. I loved to watch him as he listened so intently to preachers both young and old….and with his shaking hand he would take notes upon notes and nod his head or nudge me with his elbow if a point was something for me to take special note of. I mostly remember him watching my brothers…..yes, watching them speak at lectureship….both of them and I remember watching as he cried a little as they spoke- knowing the joy of these two young men who were both in their own way a younger version of him….but mostly being so proud of the road they had taken— the road to reach the lost….my father’s greatest joy. Occasionally he would say- your brothers know everyone here…it always made him happy. This year…well, this year will be different- I know we will be okay. I have said those words—we will be okay— so many times since October. - I know that most of my family who come will still be here and I so look forward to my brothers being here- they are both speaking this year- my daddy would want that so much-Lectureship will still go on and as I enjoy every moment of the greatness it brings I will be praying that God give them a window.
