I Can't Believe It

I Can’t Believe It!

I can’t believe we’re midway through 2009. Time has gone by so fast. I guess the saying is true; “Time flies when you’re having fun. As usual for me, my mind started racing through events this year that have changed my life.

In January, Pop Ted passed away to a heart attack. He had been in and out of the hospital but we thought it was routine and didn’t pay much attention to the reports of my mother. Receiving that phone call that Sunday night after preaching was emotional and shocking. We missed during the Super Bowl party and this 4th of July. His passing as left a huge hole in our family, we miss him dearly. My mother is bouncing back to her normal self but she still struggles each day.

As well in January, I lived to see the inauguration of a black president, President Barack Obama. I remember as a little boy sitting on the porch with my grandfather listening to him share the struggles of black culture and his hope to see a change for the better. Unfortunately, he did not get to see the fruit of his labor (as well as so many others), the first black president. Truth be told, I didn’t think I would see it either. My witness of this historic event has changed my life in so many ways. I see the potential of my future and the future of my children. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish in this world. I didn’t always think like this because I grew up in a racially hostile environment in Texas where we had to be escorted into high schools to play basketball games. I had to run home from school at times because of the color of my skin and the neighborhoods that didn’t like it. I’ve never been a racist (thank God for that) but it wasn’t easy growing up in such an environment. Seeing the support of president Obama from all ethnic groups encourages my soul to know that we have come a long way as a nation. The atmosphere of our generation is filled with potential. We need to keep dreaming and working toward our desired goals. The only person that can stop your progress is you. Don’t be or become your own stumbling block.

In March, First Goodwill celebrated 69 years of ministry. God has been faithful to our throughout these years and with a newly renovated church our potential is great. Nothing and no one can stop God’s work. That’s how I sum up God’s faithfulness to the church.

Living through this recession (or the great depression II) as made an impact on my life and the life of my family. Amazingly enough God has met every need for us. We’re still holding to our house and car. Our bills are being paid every month, we eat every day, and we get a chance, from time to time, to hang out with each other at 31 flavors. Through these hard economic times the promise of God in Philippians 4:19 has been proving: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus”. This recession is nothing more than an opportunity for God to keep on blessing.

In June, I celebrated 7 years of employment at Monogram Aerospace Fasteners. I never thought I would be here this long because my plan was to work for about 1-2 years and then become full time at the church. I was under the impression that being a working pastor was bad thing and all pastors should be in full time ministry. But when you look at the biblical pattern of Jesus and Paul, they were both working pastors as carpenter and tentmaker. My desire is to be in full time ministry. However, I realize that I can be just as effective in bi-vocational ministry as a full time pastor. It may take a little longer but slow growth sometimes is the best growth. It’s not easy being a pastor on a secular job where there’s 85% Catholic, 5% Jewish, 2% Christian, and 8% who knows. But God has been using me to develop meaningful relationships. Friends of mine, Carroll and Paula, started attending church about three (3) years in Wilmington, Ca and in a conversation at lunch they both told me that it was my witness as being down to earth, touchable, and personable that lead them to do so. Paula, who’s African American, grew up Catholic and his now a Christian. Her husband, Carroll, grew up Baptist but had some prodigal son moments. They both have a lot of questions and I do all I can to assist them without overstepping their pastor’s teaching. They didn’t come to First Goodwill but I’m glad to know that God did use me in some way to lead them to Christ. I’m working on another brother but he’s going to take some time for sure to convert. I have patience.

And in most recent days, we’ve experienced the loss of Farrah Fawcet, Ed McMann, Steve McNair, and the king of Pop, Michael Jackson. WOW! As I sat with Myles over the past week watching Michael Jackson’s life story, I found myself telling stories of my childhood like my grandfather used to tell me.

I never thought I would live to see events like these but God knows our destiny.

As I remember the first six (6) months of 2009, I can’t resist looking forward to the next six (6) months of 2009.

This year Tracy and I will celebrate 17 years of marriage in September. Many people didn’t think we would make it this far but we’ve out done some of our friends, family, and associates in our marriage relationship. Tracy is a wonderful woman with many gifts and talents for beyond what she believes she’s capable of doing. She’s a great mother and grandmother. She’s overcome great odds of her past and our future is very bright.

I’m watching my children grow up to be wonderful young people. Aysia will be a High School Junior and Myles a High School Sophmore this coming fall. Both with great potential and hope they believe in themselves as much as I believe in each of them. WOW! Soon and very soon we will be done with the troubles of the world when they graduate.

I’m watching my grandson grew up to be a smart young man with a whole lot of potential. We have a love hate relationship, I love to see come and happy to see him go home. Most of all, I love him dearly. Kari is great a mother. I only have one request, let the boy get dirty sometimes…lol. She is filled with creative painting talent that eyes have not seen as of yet. Keep up the good work.

In October, I will turn 42 years old, if God spares me to live that long. When I look at my history all I can say is I made it. I plan to do a blog of testimony around my birthday. My version of TV One’s Unsung – After the Dance: The Life and Times of Clinton Smith on October 1st, 2009 at 9 am. Don’t miss it.

In November, God willing, I will be celebrating 8 years as pastor of First Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church. We have accomplished so much as pastor and people that it blows my mind. I’m glad and privileged to serve such wonderful people and a great church. Our church is destined for greatness for beyond our wildest dreams with God’s help.

I can’t believe this year is half done already.