Jimbo's Jots

My first church experiences that I remember as a young child were attending the Southside Church of Christ in Peoria, IL. All 9 of us would hop in to the van and travel across the bridge spanning the Illinois River, driving right by the Hiram Walker distillery.

Even as I type this, I can picture the pull up to the church building, parking lot in the back. The sanctuary had circle tile pattern almost like pebbles. The classrooms were off of the auditorium. When class was over, you heard someone ring a bell – think hotel lobby bell to be rung for the bellhop to carry your luggage.

In this church were people of all ages and color. I really didn’t think of being in a church as any different. Some of my best friends as a child were made in this church, including Ms Hattie.

Ms. Hattie was a short, little, black woman who was one of our elderly women. She was brought to church by her daughter and son-in-law. Ms. Hattie was really the church grandma! She loved her church kids! She would greet you with a smile and a hug EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY and MORNING AND NIGHT SERVICE!! I don’t ever remember when she didn’t smile when you ran in and greeted her.

Ms. Hattie was one of the first to encourage me as a worship leader. I remember leading “Jesus Loves Me” at worship on a Sunday. She gave me a hug and a smile! I was one of her kids!

Maybe you have a Ms. Hattie in your life! I would love to hear your Ms. Hattie story! I think that’s why I try to live a life of blessing . . . because of Ms. Hattie.

Be blessed and be a blessing!