What My Father Left Me
By Dean Collins
My father was born in Mulberry Gap, near Newman's Ridge in East Tennessee. It is a spot—no, a speck—on the map. You may have trouble finding it on a map, so if you ever drive to Hancock County, Tennessee, just ask a local who can fill you in on where you might find my former moonshining family! My great-great-grandmother was famous for her apple brandy.
When I was in my early forties, I called an elderly uncle and asked him if I could pick him up in Mountain City, Tennessee and let him navigate so I could find my father's birth place. My father’s humble beginnings are in the middle of nowhere. When my grandfather died, my father was about ten and dropped out of school. He and his siblings had to work to survive. World War II and the Navy pulled my father out of the hills and helped him grow up and provided for his needs. At age 25 and post war, he heard the gospel preached at a revival and became a Christian.
One day I may write more details but my father. He had seasons of success and failure as a follower of Christ, as a businessman, and in marriage. I grew up by humble means, and when my father died, his possessions were only a few articles of clothing.
I am fortunate that while I inherited no earthly possessions from my father and despite all his shortcomings, he insisted—no, he demanded—that we go to church. In the community of the church, I met men of faith who led me to Christ. In the middle of my father’s brokenness, he baptized me when I was 10 years old. Jesus works in strange and wonderful ways to find his lost sheep. And once you are found, if you will listen to advice and accept his instruction, you will find a future. But Solomon is right that if you cease to hear instruction, you will stray from words of knowledge.
The other thing that Solomon reminded me of today is that a prudent wife comes from the Lord. If you have met Penny, then you know God's word is true!
Lord, life has its challenges, but you are always faithful. Thank you for your promise of wisdom to guide us into the future you have prepared for us. Help us to heed your instructions today and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Proverbs 19:14, 20, 27 ESV
Photo by Pexels
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