For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
What an exciting time to be alive. This Lenten period gives us a marvelous time to reflect on our Christian journey; where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. Each of us has a story to tell, and my story will be very different from yours. My Christian walk began many years ago at the 109th street park located in the Watt area of Los Angeles. It just so happened that I lived on 109th street and the park was in the middle of my street. In those days there were many activities at this park, i.e. swimming, basketball, baseball, and many other activities.
I specifically remember a group of young missionaries from the First Baptist Church of Downey, who came to the park once a week to play with the kids and take them on trips where they were told about God’s love. I remember a young girl name Casey, who was probably in her teens. She was the first person to tell me about God’s love for me. Casey taught me that ‘God so loved the world………’ She told me that he had great things in store for me and that God had a plan for my life. Well, this was all very intriguing to me at the time, so I listened. I was told that I would not understand everything at first, but that if I would read my Bible, the spirit would begin to speak to me. That experience helped to lead me on this journey that I find myself on.
I’ve had many wonderful experiences on this journey, and I’ve met so many wonderful people. Casey was right, God did have a plan for my life and I am so grateful the CUMC has been a part of that plan. Thank you for allowing me to reminisce as we move through these reflective days of Lent, lest we forget. I love these hymns that are loaded with theology and are so very meaningful.
Lead Me to Calvary
(Jennie Evelyn Hussey)
King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.
Refrain:
Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.
Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.
Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb,
Lead me to Calvary.
May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.
Amen
James Calhoun