"Family Favor"
One afternoon in March of 1957, in Lebanon, the county seat of Russell County in southwest Virginia, a young English Teacher at a local High School and son of a prominent businessman noticed a beautiful young lady, wearing riding pants, walking in town with her friend. This young lady, affectionately known as "Baby Doll" by her family, was also considered by many "the most beautiful girl in the county". Leon decided to take a chance and call Nancy and see if she would go out with him. He did! And she did! And six months later, on August 17, 1957, Nancy Breeding married Leon Castle. This is the abbreviated love story of my Mom and Dad. On February 4, 1959, I came into the world and joined the family.
It is almost midnight and I am sitting in my parents dining room writing this column. When I walked in, sat down, and looked around the room I saw clutter and lots of it. But as I sit here and really look at what is around me, I see things that bring back fond memories, like our old stereo that we would stack several Christmas vinyls on and listen to the classic crackling carols for hours during the Holidays. I glance in the living room and see the baby grande piano (that we "bought" Dad for Father's Day when we were in Elementary School). We would listen for hours to the sweet music being played and hymns sung. I see gifts that others have given to my parents as "thank you's" and acts of gratitude. Silver trays from Churches that they served and ministered in. Paintings from an individual whose life was so positively affected by my parents. And much more...
I thank God for my parents, my family, and the privilege of growing up as their son. I can honestly say that I have always known who Jesus is and about His love for me. I have learned much from both my parents, like determination and the belief that you can do anything. I've experienced the actual living of faith through tough decisions and life challenges. Through changes that at the time, were hard and painful. However, they would soon prove to be the right thing, the right time, and the better opportunity. I have seen the unconditional love of the Gospel lived and not just spoken. We were taught that we are all of God's creation and that our differences were what made His world so beautiful.
Exodus 20:12 says, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This is the only one of the Ten Commandments with a specific promise - that your days may be long - meaning not just in time, but in quality, filled with God's presence and favor. Family Favor!
Family is so important. Sadly, not everyone has been as lucky as I have. But you are still very important, very much loved, and irreplaceable. I am glad you're in my family. And our Heavenly Father loves us so deeply. He thinks that we are very special and talented. After all, we are His kids. And our Church Family is so important too. And I thank God for our special family known as Fernvale Community Church. His presence is so obvious. It is so exciting to be a part of what He is doing at and through our FCC Family. You are needed and wanted. You have the opportunity to have a healthy, strong family -"family favor".
So on the eve of their 67th Anniversary I say "Thank You Lord for my Parents!" Sadly my short stay is fastly coming to an end and I will head back home tomorrow. Luckily, we will all gather in less than a month to celebrate Dad's ninetieth birthday. But I have to admit, though I have never lived a day in the house where they currently live, it's always good to "go home". And Dad, thanks for having the guts to make that call!
Speaking of Family, last Sunday not only did we enjoy an incredible Potluck, we also began taking pictures of our FCC Family and Friends. If you did not get your picture last week, please head to the Grace Center immediately following Worship for a quick picture. Also, I hope you can join Jo and Friends for the Writer's Night Tuesday. By the way, Sunday we will continue looking at one of the craziest family stories in the Bible, the story of Joseph. This week we will witness Dysfunction to Destiny: Prisoner to Provider. I hope you will join us. And, Always Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
The "Anniversary Love Birds"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502
or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)