Keeping the Faith | The best sermons are lived, not just preached
Aunt Ellen Young, a minister and missionary, recently celebrated her12th anniversary in Heaven and I fondly remember the recitation by Edgar A. Guest that she would share at church and community gatherings.
With strong conviction and infectious energy, she would establish eye contact as she scanned the audience and emphatically declare, "I'd rather SEE a sermon than to HEAR one any day!"
The truth contained within the pointed message shared is that the best sermons are hued out of real-life experiences. Like many of the characters within the Bible, our own journey in life contains wisdom to be gleaned. These experiences, both good and bad, can actually impart important life lessons.
So, I am convinced that the best sermons are lived, not just preached.
It has been said that it is difficult to work with children and animals because they are unpredictable. I would also add my grandmother to this list. I vividly recall conducting an in-person interview with my grandmother, Ora McCain Barrett, to fulfill a project for a gerontology class at the university. With a promise of lunch afterward, I invited her to share with the class her life experiences and the dynamics of aging.
In a Phil Donohue-type format, I prepared a series of questions, which I shared with her prior, simply to guide the conversation.
Expecting her to reply saying that she was 73 years old, I queried, "Mrs. Barrett, could you please tell us how old you are?" She paused and quipped, "I'm too young for Medicare and too old for the boys to care."
From that point, she pretty much commandeered the interview. Sensing I lost control that I never really had, I simply went with the flow. The class loved her and the professor was enamored with her wit!
Yet the most poignant moment occurred when I asked her to define success in her own words. With her fingers cupping her chin, she reflected and said, "Success is when you look back at your life and the most treasured memories are the ones that make you smile. Give me my flowers while I can still smell them like you are doing right now!"
That became an "ah-ha moment" for me.
Yet this often can transcend generations as in the case of my own grandson's willingness to assist me with recycling. He reasoned that it is good to recycle, "So we can help save the planet!"
As if I was Bill Nye the Science Guy, I posed the question, "And why do you want to save the planet?" He replied, "Because that's where I plan to keep my stuff and then give it all to my kids."
He understands the practice of good stewardship is a long investment.
Like my failed attempt to control that interview my grandmother or the innocent reasoning of a child, we don't control much except our attitudes and approach to life's challenges. Our responses to life's events include putting our life's lessons to work.
St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary, use words."
For me, I am going to continue to assist others as I am able and while doing so pave a positive path for others to follow. Perhaps we spend way too much time focusing on the problems instead of seeking solutions. Don't give up in the pursuit, just keep the faith.
— The Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II is the lead pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, chaplain for the Youngstown Police Department and local coordinator of the African American Male Wellness Walk for the Mahoning Valley. He resides in Youngstown with Dorothy, his partner in marriage and ministry. They share the love and joy of 5 children and 6 grandchildren.
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 5:11 AM with the headline "Keeping the Faith | The best sermons are lived, not just preached."