Guest Post by Dr. Dee Shelnutt
One of my favorite remembrances of my mother's side of the family was the annual reunion which took place in an old church near Cartersville. It has a little cemetery where many relatives are buried. We would gather for singing congregational hymns, solos, and small groups by aunts, uncles, and cousins. There would be scripture and devotional.
Afterward, everyone gathered outside at the long cement tables filled with delicious homemade food. We ate, talked, and laughed together. Then, back to the little church for an afternoon of singing. Since my grandmother was the oldest, she selected the first song. We all knew what it would be.
I can still see her sitting on the pew with her eyes closed, a smile on her face, singing with her whole being, the words to her favorite hymn:
"What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning safe and secure from all alarms, leaning, leaning, I'm leaning on the everlasting arms."
She modeled a Christ-like life to all who knew her. I am grateful for all, like her, who have been as Christ to me throughout my life. Who has been as Christ to you? Why not tell them!
Dr. Dee Shelnutt
Retired United Methodist Pastor