A Strong Foundation
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock: “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24-25
During Lenten season, I am reminded of salvation through the grace of God and I reflect on His grace and mercy throughout my life. I was raised in a Baptist church in rural Virginia where parents and elders instructed youth in preparation for a walk to the mourners’ bench (front pew of the church) around age 12 where we would confess our sins and acknowledge Christ as our Savior.
The next step was the baptismal service outdoors in a pool, dressed in white from head to toe, we were immersed. At this tender age, I did not clearly understand or fully appreciate what was happening. However, I now know that this experience was my foundation, my rock, for what was to come in my life---rain, winds, floods and so much more, but His grace and mercy keep me. Over thirty years, I am still building on the rock of a solid foundation as a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am humbled and thankful.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and mercy, thank you for an obedient spirit and for our elders. Most of all thank you for salvation and growth to show others the way to You. Amen.
By Sister Barbara Booker Wood
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church