Hands Like His

Written for one of the most charitable and kind-hearted men that I have met in my life, my father-inlaw, Jack Maddox. He gave to those in need and always expected nothing in return. I have been blessed to know him. He took into his family with an open heart from the day I put a ring on his daughter's finger in marriage. To know him is to love him. He is a faithful husband, father, and grandfather. He is a caretaker and friend to all. God bless the life of William "Jack" Maddox. 

On The Side of A Hill

This photo is precious to me. These are the "old maids" that reared my Grandma Pledger in Arkansas following the death of her mother as an infant nearly 100 years ago. It was these Blanscet sisters that read her the Bible by firelight in a rustic log cabin when Mae was just a young girl. Their walk with God laid a foundation for her as she would oneday rear eleven children of her own. Four of her sons would become Baptist preachers in spite of their being raised in a home of poverty and the ridicule of my God-hating Grandpa. One of her boys would later become my father, Dr. Ken Pledger. He would overcome the adversity laid upon him in his childhood while growing up on the side of a ridge in Coal Hill. His early struggles would not destroy him, but make him ready for his future years of service in the Gospel Ministry. The grit and determination that these dear, old saints of God possessed was passed onto my Grandma and then to my father. I hope in time will find its way into my soul as well. "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage: Psalm 16:6

For Those Who Walk in the Valleys

"He Touched Us All"

One of the most charming young men that I have ever known was a "special needs" student at the school where I have served as both a teacher and school administrator. This 17 year-old student, Kameron, left a deep impression on my life, as well as the lives of many. He never allowed his "disabilities" to keep him down, but rather he turned them into "abilities" to speak to the hearts of those he contacted. He passed away on December 31st, 2016. His passing into Heaven left an emptiness inside us all that can never be filled by anything other than God's grace. I placed the photo of Kameron's handprint in the center of this poem. It is the clay impression taken by his family the day he died. This photo reminds me of the impression he left on me.