Glimmers
May 6, 2010
He is an imposing figure at 6’ 4” with a big frame and a smile that is bigger still. His name is Reverend Ira Lightsey. He serves as the minister at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Mims, FL. He also works for the Brevard County school system as an assistant PE coach. Last year, he was named employee of the year, a well-deserved honor. We both are fathers of daughters and we have had some kinship moments around that common theme.
A few months back, I saw him at Wal-Mart with his youngest daughter. We waved at one another from a good distance away. After we got close enough to talk, he said his daughter had asked who I was. He said that he told her, “That’s my problem.” I laughed and said, “Well that’s great!” He wondered why I had said that and I told him that if I was his problem then I don’t have any problems. His daughter looked at us both in that roll your eyes teenager perfected kind of way.
I continue to think about the stressors we are dealing with in our community and the resource our faith affords us. In the silliness of that Wal-Mart meeting with my friend Ira, a profound truth is illustrated, a truth the Psalmist learned long ago.
Psalm 27 opens with a declaration that “the LORD is my light and my salvation, so why should I be afraid?” He rehearses all the reasons why he should not fear when faced with things that seem overwhelming to him. He lists outward things like evil people, foes, enemies, false accusers, opposing armies, and inward fears like being abandoned by those closest to him. In the face of it all, he remains confident. He says, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” (Psalm 27:10). It is as though the Psalmist shows up before God, carrying his heavy load of worries and fears. Someone says to God, “Who is that?” God smiles with a smile bigger even than that of Ira Lightsey and says, “That’s MY problem.”
Peace to you all,
Jerald
