I had to re-read the text message my mother sent to me that afternoon. I just knew there were some typos in that message. Rev. Gray just died? Nope. I'm not even going to believe that. Like most of the older members of my church, I looked up to him. He was invincible to me.
But it was true. He had died in London that day.
My heart absolutely sank. I thought about his family- his wife, his mother, sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. They must be devastated…
What made it worse for me is that I thought of him the day before he passed. He was among the first set of people on my list to tell about my excitement regarding the World Race. I remember the last real conversation we had- I was waiting for my flight in the Miami airport when I see him walking toward the gate. We were on the same flight to Philadelphia. After initial greetings we spoke about travel. I told him I loved to travel and wanted to travel the world. With my Pastor being a well traveled man he told me there was so much beauty in the world to see. He told me to go for it. That was two years ago… and God has truly laid it on my heart to go.
Perhaps I am who I am today because I grew up around so many public servants. Rev. Gray was the epitome of a public servant. He was not the kind of man who was publicly into accolades. Although he helped millions of people, the only thing he wanted his name on was The Book of Life. He was the most notable man I knew personally yet the most humble; he knew exactly who he was and whose he was. It was evident that his desires were to please God. That is the kind of woman I strive to be everyday. I pray the World Race will provide me with a position and a platform to bless others the way God has allowed people- like Rev. Gray- to bless me.
Rev. Gray was more than a Pastor to me- he was a part of my family. So what am I to do now? Well, I think it can be as simple as this- continue to live a life that is pleasing to God. Furthermore, I can do what my current Pastor (Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson) said last week in his sermon, "In everything, give thanks!" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). So, I thank God for allowing me to know Rev. Gray for my entire natural life thus far. I thank God for allowing him to be the leader he was and an example to me and so many church family I grew up with. I thank God for allowing him to be a trailblazer while giving us hope to know that we "can do all thing through Christ who strengthens us." I thank God for giving him traveling mercy every Sunday when he traveled to Philadelphia to preach even when he lived out of the state. I thank God for allowing him to remain humble no matter how high his status reached. God has taught me so much through the life of this man of God.
I am sad I was unable to tell Rev. Gray about my world race, but I have much joy in knowing that he will be watching over me every step of the way. He will be truly missed and forever in my heart! I created a picture montage of the life of my Pastor. I hope you view it and enjoy (This is the first photo montage or video I have EVER done so this is a big deal to me). 😀
Give thanks no matter what is going on in your life. When you begin to give thanks to God for everything, I believe you begin to flood the situation with His presence… and once you recognize His almighty power can fix your broken heart, mind, body or soul, you will see that He deserves all the glory!
I thank YOU for reading/watching.
XOXO,
Belle
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P.S. I still need your help with funding for my World race. Please spread the world about my ministry or donate if you'd like to support me! Thanks so much if you already have! Please click the "HELP me continue to HELP others" tab in the left hand corner. God Bless!
