It Doesn't Seem Right

In 2003, our church family at Calvary was shocked with the news of losing one of our finest men and soulwinners, Brother Darren McWhorter. He and his wife served as bus workers and in our childrens' ministry. Darren was a great husband and loving father to three young kids. He was taken suddenly from us in an early morning vehicle accident. I wrote this poem in his honor and read it at his funeral. I will forever remember his love for the gospel, and how God used his life to touch so many in Clay Hill area through the Bus Ministry. 

In Honor of Pastor Louis Doan of the Faith Baptist Church, Green Cove Springs, Florida

Eleven years ago I went with a large group from Calvary to preach for two weeks in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. For the most past during the first week, the majority of our team stayed in the capitol city of Port au Prince, while myself and Brother Louis Doan went several hours north over rugged terrain to minister in the town of Hinche and other villages. We didn't stay in very comfortable circumstances, but Brother Doan brought levity and ease to our trip through his humor and overall good spirit. I learned from this experience that my friend had a certain grace that I needed. I grew to love him in his life and later in his death. He died last week after a bout with brain cancer. He was a gracious father and husband, as well as a friend to those labored in the work of God. I saw him in the hospital the night before his last surgery. The same grace that he showed in a primitive area of Haiti, he also showed in the final days of his life. May God help all of us to have this grace to live our lives until we lay down our robes at Jesus' feet. 

 

Showing a Gospel Film on a Football Field

Pastor Doan being funny sitting in a police wagon

Preaching in a Prison in Hinche

Pastor Doan the week before he passed into heaven

Brother Louis Doan preaching in the open air

Yuletide Grief Noone Knows

I woke up this morning thinking about an annual tradition my family has celebrated for many years. I have loved to go around my neighborhood, to the homeless and shut-ins to sing Christmas Carols every Christmas Eve. We take homemade cookies and cheer and spend an hour or two showing up unannounced at the doorsteps of unsuspecting people.

Church members have gone with us. Both of our parents have gone with us, as well as each of our kids and my sister. I love doing it if for no other reason than to see the reaction of people when they answer their doors and we begin to sing. However, I love to do this as well because I know that people are often lonely and depressed during the holidays. We sing to people who have buried their spouses or gone through great trials the previous year. I search these people out particularly  and show up for even 10 or 15 minutes in the dark hours of their lives to attempt to lift their burden. I wrote this poem for these. I wrote it for those who have grief none knows but Jesus.

She Saved It In Her Heart

I had the blessing of going to lunch today with my mother. She turns 75 years old tomorrow. She has loved me for all the days of my life. She invested into my life when I was too young to appreciate her late nights and weary days. I am not certain if I have always lived up to her expectations and hopes for me, but I have always desired to make her and my father pleased with my life and choices. I am not all I wish I was for the Lord, but what I am, I owe to parents. Happy 75th, Mom!!!

My Quiet

I needed her more than she needed me. God brought the gentlest soul into my life eight years ago when I said,"I do". Life is often turbulent for those who live for the Lord, as well as the unbeliever. It is a joy when you come across those who have a timid and yet powerful spirit. Those who are settled and peaceable bring refreshment to the hearts of those near them. Such is the case with my wonderful wife, Kim Pledger. She speaks calm and peace to those who know her. She is, "My Quiet". 

He Held onto the Rope

Ten years ago, I was blessed to present this poem to Dr. Russell Anderson. He was preaching at our church in Florida as he has done on several occasions. We wanted to do something to show our gratitude for his many years of labor and love for those who preach the gospel, particularly the late, Dr. Jack Hyles. Brother Anderson was like a brother to him and will always be remembered for his investment into the ministry of First Baptist Church and Hyles Anderson College. Dr. Anderson "held onto the rope" as Brother Hyles gave his life for the souls of men. Both made a great impact for Christ and His kingdom. 

Prayer For Our Finest Families

In August of 2018, Clay County Sheriffs Office and our community lost one of our own, Deputy Ben Zirbel. The burden of those who serve in law enforcement and in the military does not only fall on the shoulders of those in uniform, but weighs heavily on the lives and hearts of their families. This poem was written for all the families of those who go into harms way that we might sleep in peace at night.