Weekly Thought – October 28, 2014
Fred’s parents were Rev. and Mrs. M.B. Smith. They had first names, but all knew them as Brother and Mrs. Smith. His father was a Southern Baptist pastor who was known throughout the mill district of Nashville for his compassion, and love of Biblical truth. Fred believed in legacy, not inheritance… in passing on character, not riches.
This week’s thought will probably be the most unusual ever, for it isn’t written by Fred but to him – in 1948 by his Dad. It must have been prompted by Fred’s ordination as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Nashville. He mentions Mary Alice, Fred’s wife of 67 years, who would have been 99 last week. This letter from father to son is a rare find in Fred’s archives and one that teaches us much about his lineage.
Words of a Father
“Dear Fred:
I desire that you know in this personal way that I deeply appreciate you as an ordained servant of God.
The joy of a parent’s heart is the honor their children confer upon them. You have manifested a high sense of honor all your life. It is beginning to bloom out into blessed fruitage.
I am by you like Paul was by the Philippian Church, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
It gives me peculiar pleasure to welcome you into the ranks of the ordained of the Lord. I feel confident you will be faithful until death.
I deeply appreciate the letters and literature you send as related to the YOUTH FOR CHRIST MOVEMENT. It gives me insight to the work of the Master as it is related to our Young People. (more…)