Today is All Saints Day!

Today is the day to pause and remember those saints who have gone before us and who now are cheering us on. Take time to remember the people in your life who nurtured you and fed your spirit. Remember they are still with you spiritually. Find a way to honor their memory today.

• I honor my mother Gerry, who was my spiritual foundation.
• I honor my nanny Hazel, who taught me to love gospel music.
• I honor my Sunday School teachers who taught me the Bible in stories and lessons.
• I honor my grandfather Sam, who showed me you can turn to God at anytime, even in the latter days of life.
• I honor my grandmother Julia, who taught me never to despair but to trust in God.
• I honor the pastors who taught me God's love, mercy and forgiveness.
• I honor the many brothers who died of AIDS as well as the women and children under my case management for HIV/AIDS.
• I honor Charles who sang in the Choir for over 30 years.
• I honor Ralph Cahall who made our beautiful stained glass.
• I honor Pam, who had the voice of an angel.
• I honor each saint who made sacrifices so that there is a place called Holy Cross MCC, where the good news of God's love for all people continues to go forth.

Hebrews 12:1- 3 The Message (MSG)

"Do you see what this means-all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on?

It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running-and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God-he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.

When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"

Remember, honor and press on! If you get a chance, listen to Amy Grant's version of "I Can Only Imagine" and listen all the way to the end as she adds part of an old familiar hymn.

Peace and blessings