Photographed at Ray Hubbard, Texas
"Cause it's knows my face and it knows my name and it will for all my life. Kinda like a first kiss. Kinda like forgiveness. The older that I get it all means a little more... But then it brings you back to life. Yeah we go on with our lives, but it never leaves us. Kinda like my hometown and Jesus" The song faded from my earphones. I wondered if Sherry had ever heard the song. The tears filled my eyes as the memory flooded. The lyrics so fittin'. Left with silence. Silence. I typed-
A friendship fostered out of the Jesus in our Jesus Town. She was a friend I had yet to make. One I had yet to know I needed. She showed up on my doorstep unannounced. Brought by death. Death of my own... Years later I sat in a pizza cafe down the road from my house. How I'd managed to live in this town 14+ years of my life and yet to eat of the famed pizza drew attention. I took a bite. I'd bitten into the hype. The pizza as good as I'd been led to believe. The conversation: How she'd come to my house that fateful day. Her response in short, "I'd gotten a phone call that your father had just passed away. I was told we had to come quick and pray. I didn't know you. That didn't matter. They were already on their way. My mom, ' well, I guess you must go pray for her'". I smiled as she told the story, my composure kept. I'd never heard the story in her words.
Her words: Sweet Tea and class when asked about The South. The Simplest of terms. As simple as her acts of kindness, the only boy she's dated all her life, her love for Jesus. In the end the girl they call Ride or Die was #Clutch long before the name was ever given. Her kindness, generosity, love and prayer that October night far more justice to her life in The South than I could ever write.
I am the South and the South is me
Southern Potraits: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7
You are a lovely writer, keep sharing! Beautiful church and young woman as well.
ReplyDelete:)(: Thank you Ronda!
DeleteGreat pic. Lovely girl. Beautiful southern church.
ReplyDeleteRight! It's the prayer chapel. Years back it was the original church before the church added on.
DeleteThis is a wonderful idea. I love the beauty in simple photographs. I am a lover of all things antique/vintage and am loving that little chapel.
ReplyDeleteMe too Amanda. Surprisingly these photos didn't take long. Such a beautiful chapel that was the original building of the church. Now, it's used for prayer since the church as expanded. Sherry tells me that there's no silence has golden at the one they have during adoration.
DeleteI love this -- beautiful pictures, beautiful writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amanda. Glad the emotion was conveyed.
DeleteI had no idea....what a great friend! Nice to finally see her face as often as I hear her mentioned :)
ReplyDeleteYour pictures and writing are just beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThe South is represented by an eclectic group of people. Friendships are forged in every walk of life. Nice to see how the love of Jesus Christ brought you together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to rep for the south! Love the photos and great writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tiffany. And I Agree
DeleteThis is so beautiful. I didn't make it to the building this morning and this was my church.
ReplyDelete