Growing up in the south as a black person, it was customary for my family to devote Sundays to the praise and worship of the Lord for His faithfulness during the week prior. That meant putting on our Sunday best and attending Sunday school as a child and the Church service that followed each and every Sunday. It was the least we believers could do to show the Lord how grateful we were for and to Him. After all, our times were in His hands. This continued even after I left home and ventured out into the world to find my own way. What I found as an adult is that Jesus remains to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

On Sundays, I’m always excited to see churchgoers who start arriving around 10:00 a.m. for the 11:00 a.m. service. The early arrival is important for people who want to get a prime parking space. It also provides ample time for all the social butterflies to greet each other before the service. Of course, there are always folks lingering on the church lawn exchanging long handshakes and hugs before entering the sanctuary. The messages we hear are always uplifting and infused with vital scripture references that help us go from week to week depending on Jesus for everything we need. The songs inspire us to keep living in Him.

Some of us even take time out of our busy schedules to attend special church events that are held once every year during the Summer. My family and I look forward to seeing each other and depend upon the mercies of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ to carry us from one year to the next. Praise be to God for His continued lovingkindness and mercy upon us!