Sometimes… we struggle and simply need to press on in the Lord whether we “feel like it” or not. Last night was one of those times. A lot of friends, new and old, came together to present the 2026 Winter Gospel Singing Jubilee at Oakfield Baptist Church. On one hand, I felt an urge to go… on the other hand, I felt like a ostrich that wanted to hide my head in the sand and retreat from life. Frankly, over the last few weeks / months I have been heavily burdened with life and ministry needs and expectations. I had allowed myself to get pushed into a state of almost melancholy by the enemy who, always, seeks ways to defeat us within the human side of who we are in Christ. Maybe you have the grit to pray over it and forget it (whatever that it is), but some of us struggle deeply with breaking the chains of past hurt and regret. I don’t need to get into what the “it” is in my life but know that those things were and are real to me. Simply saying “oh, you just need to turn them over to the Lord” is not as easy as it sounds like. Thankfully, this time, the Spirit gave me just enough strength to get off my tuchus, win the spiritual battle raging within me, and drive to the church for the singing.
With that preamble in place, I’ll proceed.
I am SO very grateful that I went. As I came into the parking lot, it was obvious that the church was going to be crowded. I struggled to find a parking spot, but I did and pressed on. I bumped into a couple of old friends as I wandered through the crowd. Jerry, Jay, Joan, Pop and Momma Nell Wimberley… they were there. Perry and Nell both smiled at me and greeted me like old friends do. Then, I looked around and saw some of the Long family, the Ross’, and the Barnetts’. Other familiar faces were there and I had conversations with Tommy, Eddie, Denise, Mickey, Jimmy, and others. More than once, I said to someone… “this reminds me of the old days.” You may not know this but long ago, I sang baritone for a local Southern Gospel group called Kindred Spirits. I was one of the founding members and sang and traveled with them for a little over 20 years.
Let me keep this post as short as I can… though I could write about hurt and restoration for pages upon pages. This event was a major encouragement to me on multiple levels. It reminded me that the past may hold hurt and regret, but it also holds precious memories. It is up to us to focus on the ones that bring hope and peace while we nail the others to the cross. After all, Jesus paid the ultimate price for the collective sins of a fallen race of men and women (us). He has obtained the victory for us if we are wise enough to embrace it through faith in Him. So, if you also struggle with spectors from the past, let me hit you with a couple of verses that might encourage you as I know they do for me when I bring them to mind.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10
Photo Gallery
Here are some photos that I took at the singing last night. I stayed as long as I could but I did have to leave before the last group, Under Grace. I made sure that they knew I was not trying to be rude with my exit before they sang. I am confident that they did a great job too.
