04/22/2024
April 21 holds a special place in my heart for a couple of reasons.
First, 40 years ago today Randy knelt in one knee on the porch of Smith Dorm at Samford University and handed me a white candle (only Delta Omicron sorority sisters will understand the significance of the white candle) with a ring on it and asked me to marry him. I said yes of course. 🥰
The other reason is that 48 years ago today I walked the church aisle during the invitation of a revival service and publicly shared that God was calling me to be a missionary. I was 13 years old. While being a missionary has looked much different than what I pictured at 13, that call to the gospel ministry has infiltrated every stage of my life since. From high school & college, through the young married life & young motherhood of my 20s & 30s, on through all the endeavors my 40s & 50s took me through, never once has the call to be a missionary left me. I knew that whatever my tasks for the day were the ultimate purpose in God giving me those tasks were to proclaim the gospel of Jesus to whomever was before me (including my own children). I do not expect my 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond will be any different. God will be faithful to His call on my life until He calls me home.
Take up thy cross and follow me I heard my Master say
I gave My life to ransom thee
Surrender your all today
Verse 2
He drew me closer to His side
I sought His will to know
And in that will I now abide
Wherever He leads I'll go
Verse 3
It may be through the shadows dim
Or o'er the stormy sea
I take my cross and follow Him
Wherever He leadeth me
Verse 4
My heart my life my all I bring
To Christ who loves me so
He is my Master Lord and King
Wherever He leads I'll go
Chorus
Wherever He leads I'll go
Wherever He leads I'll go
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so
Wherever He leads I'll go
