Originally posted on Facebook on Sunday, January 31, 2021.
In Week 5 of 52 Weeks of Gratefulness, I give thanks for Charlene Minor.
Shortly after accepting my call to the ministry, I was tasked one Sunday with the invitation to discipleship. The invitation was a part of worship service and an opportunity for anyone in attendance to confess their faith, rededicate their lives or join the church. The invitation also typically follows the sermon. So after Pastor Jones concluded the message, I took to the pulpit to extend the invitation, beginning, "The doors of the church are open…"
After worship service and as the ministers were greeting departing congregants, Mother Minor, walking toward the exit hugged me and said, "You did good." Then, gently placing her hand on my arm and holding it, she said, "But it's, 'The Door of the church is open.' Christ is the door. There's only one." And as quickly as she came, she left with a smile.
Up until that point, I had simply parroted what I had heard other ministers say. But, in an encounter that was as brief as an embrace, she had given me an invaluable lesson in theology but moreover, she gave me an appreciation for the meaning and importance of every word that came across that sacred desk. It would be far from the last lesson she would teach me.
On another Sunday years later, I delivered the "Children's Sermon." My son, who was 8 or 9 at the time, was among the group of two dozen or more children who had come to the front of the church for this segment in the service. He was talking during the sermon and my response was harsh. That very next day, a Monday, Mrs. Minor comes to my workplace, walks to the break room and tells me to come have a seat. She then goes on, like a mother, to rebuke me for my public and harsh treatment of my son. She said, "As his father, the things you do and say to him have the potential to become part of him forever. Make sure it's helpful and not hurtful. At this age, you have to be careful not to crush his little spirit." I said, "Yes, ma'am." Then, she told me she loved me and as quickly as she came, she left with a smile.
Much of my growth as a Christian, husband, father, minister -as a human being can be accounted to Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church because of beautiful souls like Mother Charlene Minor. She was a Mother in the purest ecclesiastical sense of the word. Mrs. Minor was always prepared whether in song, word or deed to correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience. I thank God for her teaching me, encouraging me and holding me accountable. I am a better man for it. I am grateful. #52WoG