FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: CURLY NEAL SURE COULD ‘HANDLE IT’

Welcome this week to the front porch. A couple of weeks ago, Harlem Globetrotter legend Fred ‘Curly’ Neal died at the age of 77. He and Meadowlark Lemon undoubtedly were the most iconic Globetrotters ever.

OUT TO PASTOR: IT WAS A WEEK THAT WAS SH0T TO PIECES

I proposed to the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage that we take Monday off late Sunday evening, suggesting a contest to see who could sleep in the longest. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage readily agreed to my plan. This should have been a tip-off for me.

Who are you following?

In this day and time, we must weigh our actions by the Word of God as to know who we really are and who we follow. The following brings light to our actions whether they are wrought in God or stem from evil. We must choose only one, we cannot serve both.

HOPE FOR TODAY: Learning from other voices in Black America on race

Many generations ago, the Jewish King Hezekiah was in the midst of a successful reign when he was threatened with invasion by King Sennacherib of Assyria. Sennacherib used lies, deceit and fearful threats to try and get the people to surrender. Hezekiah countered every attempt.

OUT TO PASTOR: Those used to be the days

Finding something to do to keep me from being bored has become somewhat of a challenge. However, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage can always find something to do, especially something for me. That is why every day I “act” as if I am busy. Not only that, but my hearing is not very good.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: He was there, if only for a short time

Happy Father’s Day to all – and welcome to the “front porch.” My mind cannot help but go back to some special times this Father’s Day 2020, although I suppose it’s no different from all the years since 1967. But this week we go back, again – even as you will, too. And that’s a good thing.

OUT TO PASTOR: There’s something about a lazy summer afternoon

The past week was an unusually quiet week around the parsonage. It enabled me to do something that I have wanted to do all summer long. Nothing. I am not bragging or anything, but I can do nothing right up there with the best of them.

HOPE FOR TODAY: Observations about Chauvin, Floyd and racism

Like millions of others, I watched the video of George Floyd’s death, which was a murder recorded live as it happened. After seeing it, I have prayed to the Lord God for George’s family in the loss of a son and brother.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: Raccoon John Smith’s lesson from a log

Funny where the best lessons come from—a pandemic, perhaps, or maybe a good old-fashioned sit-down ‘talk’ with mama, or just from the famous school of hard knocks. The best lessons come from the most unusual sources, and they come when you least expect them.

OUT TO PASTOR: Will there be television in heaven?

If anybody can ask hard questions, the award has to go to the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. She knows how to ask a question and, more importantly, when to ask a particular question. On the other side of the parsonage, my expertise has been in not correctly answering questions.