There Goes Connie - A Christian Travel Blog: Trip info on Monday and devotionals on Friday.

Helen, Georgia’s Hardman House and Lunch at Bernie’s

07/15/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

In recent blogs here and here, I’ve shared with you about Babyland General Hospital and Clyde’s Table nearby in Cleveland, Georgia. Then, I took you to see some of the folk pottery and gave you a recommendation for Mully’s in Helen, GA. Today I want to point history lovers to a site with Native American ties and suggest a lovely place for an elegant lunch or dinner.

HARDMAN HOUSE HISTORIC SITE

The Hardman House Historic Site was originally a grand home built in 1870 for Captain James Nichols. His daughter Anna Ruby is the namesake for the famous falls a few miles away. After being owned later by Calvin Hunnicutt and then Dr. Lamartine Hardman (former Georgia governor), the Hardman family donated the home to the state of Georgia in 1999. The state took plenty of time getting everything just right before opening the site to the public. In addition to the carefully-preserved buildings, the property also features a working farm.

Hardman House is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10:00-4:00, and guided tours are conducted on the hour. A Visitors Center and Gift Shop are located at the entrance to the site.

Across the highway in front of the house, you’ll see the Nacoochee Indian Mound. Its dimensions are 190-feet long, 150-feet wide and 20-feet high. It was already in existence when DeSoto visited the area in 1540. Now considered to be the 2nd most recognized landmark in Georgia, you can’t miss it — topped with a gazebo and surrounded by grazing cows.

BERNIE’S AT NACOOCHEE VALLEY GUEST HOUSE

Bernie Yates and her daughter Monda Dodge have created an inviting, elegant atmosphere in both the restaurant (Bernie’s) and the Nacoochee Valley Guest House. There are only two rooms in the Guest House, but each is comfortably furnished and designed for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Bernie and Monda have amassed a wealth of experience and skill, with Bernie’s 49 years in the hospitality world and Monda’s training as a chef at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. The tables are set with linens and sterling silver, and the dishes served are extraordinary. The property is also a beautiful event venue for small-to-medium parties or weddings.

When I was there for lunch, I had an amazing quiche and probably the best tomato basil soup I’ve ever eaten. And the baked brie with roasted vegetables? My goodness, it was delectable.

Then, came dessert. Oh my! So many flavors and textures.

When you’re in Helen, Georgia, I highly recommend adding a meal at Bernie’s to your itinerary.

GENERATIONS

07/12/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Fair warning: Steve and I welcomed our 14th grandchild this week – a beautiful baby girl named Beatrix Agnes June Rodgers (to be called “Bea”). A large name for a tiny 6 lb. 12 oz. baby to carry. It remains to be seen whether this child will be our last grandchild, since so many unforeseen circumstances can happen, but we’re guessing she’ll be the caboose.

At ages 71 (Steve) and 69 (me), a new baby leads me to God’s Word to see what He says about generations and how the actions of one generation affect the others down the line.

A WARNING

Exodus 20:4-5 gives us a very stern reminder that making and bowing down to idols will bring down long-lasting punishment and consequences. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. ⁵You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.“(NLT) Even children in the third and fourth generations . . . . Right now I only have in front of my eyes the first and second generations after me. I must remember that words and deeds have the power to go far past the people who come to my house for Christmas. For good or for bad, those after me will feel the effects.

GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS

God told His people through Moses to remember what He had done for them and to tell their children and grandchildren about His powerful provision and care. Deuteronomy 4:9 – “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” And in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, He says, “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. ⁷Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

Our daughter Julie with 8 of her children and husband Brian.

OUR PROMISES BACK TO GOD AS THANKS FOR HIS PROVISION

Keep taking care of us, Dear God, and we’ll be careful to give You the glory and praise. Psalm 71:18 – “Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.” And Psalm 79:13 – “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.”

Now that I think about it, I believe God led me to these verses as a preparation for this year’s Cousins Camp which starts on July 21st. Seven days to love, enjoy, speak truth to, laugh with and instruct 12 grandchildren. What are the verses saying to you today?

Lucy Buffett and Her Famous Fried Green Tomatoes

07/08/2019 By: CCPearson1 Comment

A few months ago, I was invited by USA Today’s 10Best.com to contribute a story about fried green tomatoes, specifically as they apply to Alabama. And it was strongly recommended that I try to interview Lucy Buffett since her green tomatoes, after all, were voted by readers to be the best in the state. (Scroll to the bottom to find a link to the story).

Naturally, I was thrilled to have the opportunity, but I was a little nervous about trying to talk to Lucy Buffett. Her flagship restaurant in Gulf Shores — Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s — is phenomenally popular, even in the off season. Thousands of people wait in line for a table during peak summer months to get the freshest possible seafood, hear some great music, and, of course, sample her top-rated appetizer with WOW Sauce on the side. The parking lot is huge, and while visitors wait, they can browse the gift shop, stroll among gorgeous yachts and boats or let the kids play in the arcade and try their hand on the ropes course. It has become more than a restaurant. It’s a destination in itself. (If you’re going to be in Gulf Shores this summer and want to visit, I suggest you click here when you arrive in town and get your name on the list for the day you want to eat at LuLu’s).

Lucy Buffett’s Fried Green Tomatoes, voted best in Alabama. Photo used with permission from LuLu’s.

In recent years, Ms. Buffett has added two more restaurants — Destin, FL and North Myrtle Beach, SC.

How was I going to be able to actually TALK to someone so successful? Hallelujah for the help I was given by the great tourism folks at GulfShores.com, especially Mary Sargeant and Kay Maghan. They graciously agreed to get in touch with Ms. Buffett’s personal assistant, and an interview time was established. I started reading everything I could find about her and realized she has led an extremely interesting life. She’s worked very hard for her well-deserved success.

From the first “hello,” I felt as though I were talking to a long-time friend. Lucy was friendly, funny, forthcoming, helpful and oh-so-genuine. What I expected to last 10 minutes, went on for 30. It was delightful to learn that we have several things in common.

She, too, is a grandmother. Her twin granddaughters are deeply loved and immensely enjoyed.
We both play a musical instrument. In her case, it’s the ukelele! 🙂 She’s teaching herself to play and is insisting that her granddaughters learn an instrument of their choosing.

Lucy and her husband, as of about 10 years ago, no longer drink alcohol — not a drop. She does, however, enjoy an occasional, non-alcoholic, ginger beer. And, the pimento cheese she serves uses a little bit of honey ale brewed by Back 40 Brewing in Gadsden, but she’s never tasted the ale “straight.”

The recipe that sets her fried green tomatoes apart is found in her cookbook Gumbo Love and is NOT for someone who wants to whip them up right quick. The flour mixture alone has 10 ingredients, and the WOW Sauce she serves to accompany them adds another 5. But, believe me, her extra touches are what set them apart.

So, here’s my story. I’d love to read your thoughts.

https://www.10best.com/interests/food-culture/everything-you-want-to-know-about-fried-green-tomatoes/

“What is that in your hand?”

07/05/2019 By: CCPearson2 Comments

WHAT DO WE HAVE RIGHT NOW TO USE TO FURTHER GOD’S KINGDOM?

Exodus 4:1-5 (NIV) “Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?”

²Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

“A staff,” he replied.

³The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.”

Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.⁴Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. ⁵“This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”

At a recent Christian Writers Conference Steve and I attended, the above verses were used as the basis for a keynote address we heard by Eva Marie Everson. In that context, Ms. Everson was reminding us of both the power and responsibility we have as writers to use our “pens” (writing tools — which are probably computer keyboards in most cases) carefully, wisely and with excellence.

Moses used every imaginable excuse to try to talk God out of choosing him to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. But, for every excuse, God had a ready answer. I think God is still asking us that same question — “WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?” What do I have that I can use to show God to a lost world?

Photo used by permission from Wikimedia Commons.

In my case, and very likely in your case as well, the answer to that question has changed as my life circumstances have changed.

I remember when my answer would have been: “A baby. A diaper. A spoon to use while I feed my child. A soft blanket for snuggling.”

From high school days until about 18 years ago, the answer I thought God wanted to hear was: “The black and white keys of the piano, organ or synthesizer I was playing at the time.” Or maybe He wanted me to say, “A gradebook. My lesson plans. Rhythm instruments. Music books,” during the years I was teaching public school.

During our missionary years, I was likely to answer, “My Spanish language book, my Spanish Bible, my computer for organizing volunteer groups and typing newsletters to prayer partners. Pots, pans, dishes, produce from the market used in preparing meals for our many guests.”

But, I believe God is still asking — “Connie, what are you holding in your hand NOW that I can use to demonstrate My power, My presence, My love to those you come in contact with?”

I have a home to share with family, friends and people I’ve yet to meet.

I have a refrigerator and pantry full of groceries to serve those who come as guests or to share with people in need.

I have a listening ear and a probing nature. I want to hear another person share what is on his/her heart and maybe make their burdens seem a little bit lighter.

I have a marriage that has been blessed by God and can hopefully be used as a source of experience and encouragement to others.

I have a quiver full of grandchildren to love, nurture and encourage to go out into the world and be all that God intends for them to be. As a bonus, over half of the grands live close enough that I can be their piano teacher if they have an interest.

I have a lifetime full of Bible knowledge that I can pour into anyone who will listen.

I have a Clipboard of Fun, as it has been dubbed by friends and family members. That’s their way of acknowledging my intense desire to devise and implement a plan. This comes in mighty handy in the weeks leading up to Cousins Camp. And, yes, there is a literal clipboard, given to me by some friends who know me well.

I have this blog with the purpose of informing, inspiring, confronting, challenging and igniting a spark of interest.

So, rather than lamenting the fact that my children are grown and independent now or feeling wistful that I’m no longer helping to lead worship by playing a keyboard instrument, I am called to use what I have NOW with Kingdom purposes in mind.

How would YOU answer God’s question? What are you holding in YOUR hand?

FOLK POTTERY AND GRILLED TROUT IN HELEN, GEORGIA

07/01/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

FOLK POTTERY MUSEUM

There are only a small number of museums throughout the world solely dedicated to pottery. The Folk Pottery Museum, part of the Sautee Nacoochee Center (283 Georgia Highway 255 N in Sautee Nacoochee, GA) is one of them.

Pottery was originally made as an essential element in housekeeping but evolved into a distinctive art form. The Meaders family from White County is one of the most well-known of the local contributors to this. The work of many others is also on display at this museum.

The building was designed specifically for displaying the pottery exhibits and educating those who visit. Admission is $5.00, and the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. You can actually purchase pieces of folk pottery in the museum gift shop.

MULLY’S NACOOCHEE GRILL

Owner Greg Ash (“Mully”) may be the “face” of the restaurant, but he insists that Chef Fern Frechette and musician Kurt Johnson make up the soul of the place. Johnson played with Bon Jovi for 10 years. He now plays at Mully’s 5 times a week. He’s really good.

Mully, so nicknamed for always asking for a mulligan on the golf course, opened the restaurant when he was 60 years old and has now been in business for 6 years. Judging from the parking lot and the full dining room, he obviously found the recipe for success.

The building for Mully’s Nacoochee Grill was originally a rural farmhouse built in the early 1900’s. It certainly adds to the homey ambiance.

The North Carolina trout Mully serves is the bestseller on the menu, and I can attest that the grilled trout with collards and cheese grits was wonderful. Many diners also clamor for their shrimp and grits or baby back ribs. Many dishes are prepared in their wood-fired oven.

Grilled trout, collards and cheese grits.

I tasted blackberry bread pudding for the first time and was an instant convert.

You’ll enjoy the food, the atmosphere and the music at Mully’s.

GOD ASKS: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

06/28/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

A WOMAN IS CONFRONTED WITH HER SIN – Genesis 3:13

I am 100% certain that God wasn’t asking for Eve’s resume or her list of life accomplishments. Instead, God was directly confronting Eve’s very direct disobedience to His explicit instructions. In my sanctified imagination, God’s voice was booming in this case. Definitely not a still, small whisper.

This is actually the 4th question posed by God in Genesis 3. We talked about the first question last week — “Where are you?” God’s 2nd question was “Who told you that you were naked?” His 3rd was “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” And then the most pointed one of the 4, “What is this you have done?“

Adam passed the buck to Eve. Eve passed the buck to the serpent. But, in the end, she knew she was caught. She believed the serpent and disobeyed God. Now she’d have to suffer the consequences, and so would all of mankind after her. God’s words must have rumbled deep in her soul.

I am both grateful and deeply burdened by God’s ability to know my sin and call me on it without accepting any excuses. And, I don’t care if it appears that I’ve “gotten off lightly.” I KNOW there are consequences for every one of my sins.

When I lied to my parents.

When I had hateful thoughts toward another person.

When I wanted what someone else had.

When I was overly critical of someone else and not willing to acknowledge my own faults.

When I lashed out in anger.

When my motives weren’t pure.

When I was jealous.

When I was selfish.

When my impatience showed up in rash decisions or thoughtless words.

Every time. EVERY time. God caught up with me and said, “Connie, what have you done?” or “Connie, what are you doing?” And, most of the time, His words boomed — at least inside my head.

Caught red-handed. Photo used by permission of Wikimedia Commons

Believe me, my list of sins is MUCH longer than that, but those are between God and me.

I praise God for His promise to forgive me. ” If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

We sin. We’re sorry. We ask for forgiveness. God forgives us. But we still have to face the consequences. In Eve’s case, she and Adam were thrown out of the Garden of Eden and never allowed back in. Things were never perfect for them again.

God said the same words to Cain in Genesis 4:10, right after He asked him “Where is Abel your brother?” Cain answered with guilty indifference. “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?”

Look at the punishment God pronounced on Cain in chapter 4 verses 11-12. Sometimes the consequences we suffer are immediate. Other times they are drawn out over many years, even carrying over to the next generation.

Wouldn’t it be better if we heard God’s voice asking us this question BEFORE we gave in and committed the sin in the first place? He knows when we’re contemplating a sin and when we carry it out, and it always causes our relationship with Him to suffer.

I have some sins I need to confess this morning, this very minute, so my relationship with God can be right again. What about you?

Cleveland, Georgia: Babyland General and Clyde’s Table and Tavern

06/24/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

When you are visiting North Georgia, particularly the beautiful town of Helen, Georgia and White County, a great side trip is only a short drive away. You’ll find a gorgeous property and some mouthwatering smoked meat.

CABBAGE PATCH KIDS

Do you remember visiting Babyland General Hospital, Home of the Cabbage Patch Kids, 30-40 years ago when it was in a small location? That first address was actually the former Neal Clinic which was originally built in 1919, but in 1978, it became the home of the trademarked Cabbage Patch Kids.

Creator Xavier Roberts was born in Cleveland on Halloween in 1955. At the age of 21, he was an art student and became fascinated with the German technique of fabric sculpture. That process was joined with the quilting techniques passed down in the Appalachian Mountains. In 1977, Xavier created his Little People and started by dressing them in clothes he found at yard sales. He had a brilliant marketing idea of giving them names and having parents “adopt” them. By 1990, 65 million Cabbage Patch Kids had been adopted.

The phenomenal growth and popularity amazed everyone. In 2000, a Cabbage Patch Kids postage stamp was unveiled. Even famous painter, Andy Warhol produced a series with the Cabbage Patch Kids as subjects.

Construction for a new 70,000 square foot building on 96 acres started in 2007, and the doors officially opened on November 21, 2009. The number of acres grew to 650 along the way. The grounds are immaculate, and the interior gleams. Admission is free.

For children, grandchildren, or “kids at heart,” Babyland General Hospital is a delightful place to visit.

CLYDE’S TABLE AND TAVERN

Located on the square in the tiny town of Cleveland, you’ll probably smell the aromas before you see the building for Clyde’s Table and Tavern because many of the menu items are prepared in the smokers out back.

Owner Ward Gann’s hunting dog, Clyde, was the inspiration for the restaurant’s name and interior decor. When I was there in May, it had been open for 7 months and is already quite a hit. There is seating for 40 inside and 30 more on an outside deck. Plans are already in the works to expand the deck.

The 5-alarm wedge salad is highly recommended as are the deviled eggs and avocado fries. Yes, avocado fries. REALLY delicious.

I had the mac and cheese topped with brisket and wished so much for a way to take my leftovers home. It was awesome.

So, by all means, plan a a few hours for a meal at Clyde’s and a visit to Babyland when you’re in Helen, Georgia.

GOD ASKS: WHERE ARE YOU?

06/21/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

THE QUEEN OF QUESTIONS HAS THE TABLES TURNED AND NEEDS TO GIVE SOME ANSWERS

The name I’ve been bestowed by my children and husband is “Queen of Questions.” If you’ve spent much time with me, you can appreciate how this happened. I call it being curious, but you can imagine how my nature gets in the way of a teenager’s quest to spread his/her wings and fly . . . under the radar.

In my job as a travel writer and blogger, my tendency and ability to ask questions comes in very handy. After all, I’m constantly seeking information and interviewing. I always want to know just a little bit more.

Recently, while attending the Southern Christian Writers Conference, I heard keynote speaker Eva Marie Everson address the topic of “What Do You Hold In Your Hand?” She was talking about the power and potential that writers have with the “pens” we use, but her title was drawn from God’s question to Moses in Exodus 4:2 (NIV)- “Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.” As we know, Moses ended up using that staff for many purposes during the wilderness journey, and it became a symbol of God’s power.

Ms. Everson’s speech stirred my curiosity to examine more of God’s questions in the Bible. Since God is omniscient, we know He wasn’t asking because He needed information. Why would GOD ask questions? It seems to me that God asked His questions for OUR benefit. We need to answer. We need to understand not just what is on the surface of the words He spoke but what is hidden in the layers underneath. God’s questions also reveal so much about Who He is, what His desires are, what His purposes for us are. God wants to direct us, teach us, have a relationship with us, watch us grow. Throughout the Bible, there are many times when He doesn’t stop and preach to us. Instead, He asks questions in order for us to dig out the answers for ourselves — knowing that that effort will ultimately yield better results.

So, for me, the tables are turned. I’m “in the hot seat,” so to speak. It’s time for ME to answer. This week I’ve been thinking about God’s question to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:9 and how that applies to me at this point in my life. Connie (insert your own name), where are you?

Searching for “The One” – Photo used by permission from Wikimedia Commons

I’ll share a few of my answers with you, but I strongly urge you to answer the question for yourself in these three categories:

Where am I physically?

Where am I emotionally?

Where am I spiritually?

Physically, I’m on Barkley Bridge Road in Hartselle, Alabama. After moving a number of times from 2002 until now, I am glad to be settled into the place I hope to be — “from here to Peck’s.” After going through a big health scare in early March, I am grateful to be in very good health. I could always improve physically by exercising more and making healthier food choices — both are constant challenges for me.

Emotionally, I love my husband, children and grandchildren and get tremendous emotional fulfillment from all of them. There are always issues regarding them in my prayers, but generally they are doing well, and they bring me great joy.

I’m feeling my age as it pertains to my place in the Grand Scheme of Things. I’ve had my 50-year class reunion. I’ll be 70 on my next birthday. Steve and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary in less than 2 years. We’re card-carrying Baby Boomers with Social Security and Medicare cards. We’re at “that” stage of life where we would logically be the next to die. Sometimes that weighs rather heavily.

It makes me sad to see many of my peers dying or in very bad health. I know that God knows the number of my days, and I guess I’m glad I don’t. But I do hope to have more good years — as long as they really are GOOD.

Spiritually. Ahh, now here’s the rub. I am a child of God, and I know that I will spend eternity with Him in heaven, but what about in the meantime? Steve and I are LOVING the new Life Group we are leading in church, and I am glad to have this blog as a vehicle for sharing spiritual insights God gives me. But, this is an area of my life where I always feel I can improve. More time in prayer. More time studying the Bible. More time serving others. I want to know Him deeply and to be in a strong relationship with Him.

“WHERE ARE YOU?” God asked Adam and Eve, and I believe He continues to ask us in order for us to stop and take stock of our lives.

A Birthday Getaway to Greenwood, Mississippi

06/17/2019 By: CCPearson6 Comments

While we were building our new house last year, I heard about Viking appliances made in Greenwood, Mississippi and the cooking school conducted by Viking representatives using their stoves, cooktops and equipment, etc. Further, I heard great things about the Alluvian Hotel directly across the street from the cooking school. I hatched a plan to ask for a stay at the Alluvian and a couples cooking class for my birthday this year, and my sweet Silver Fox agreed.

Greenwood, as it turns out, is also where the movie “The Help” was filmed in 2010. Viking actually hosts a cooking class based on dishes mentioned in “The Help” — particularly fried chicken and Minnie’s mysterious fudge pie. Those classes are extremely popular and are sold out months in advance.

“THAT’S AMORE” COOKING CLASS

Our particular class was called “That’s Amore” and was billed as a perfect date night. Our class of 12 divided into three teams of 4 each and spent 2 solid hours preparing an amazing meal of shrimp scampi with parmesan truffle bread, filet mignon with a porcini mushroom demi-glace, arancini (which are cheese-stuffed risotto balls rolled in a savory breading and fried (Oh mercy, they were good!) and individual raspberry tarts. The staff had prepared Caesar salads and a fabulous dressing ahead of time.

Gleaming kitchen at the Viking Cooking School

Getting started with our couples cooking class

Stirring the raspberry filling for dessert tarts

We measured, chopped, stirred, stuffed, rolled out dough, sauteed and baked under the careful direction of our teacher, Loren LeFlore — who obviously had a ton of experience.

Loren Leflore, our instructor for the cooking class

The ingredients provided were the highest quality imaginable, and the equipment was a dream to work with. We were ravenously hungry by the time we sat down to eat — even with a few sneaky tastes from time to time.

The smells coming from the kitchen as we worked were incredible. And the meal was everything we hoped it would be.

Ready to finally dig in and enjoy our dinner

You don’t just eat a meal. You enjoy a completely immersive, memorable occasion.

ALLUVIAN HOTEL

The Alluvian Hotel is surprisingly sleek and modern with a big city look and vibe, in spite of being situated in the small town of Greenwood. The name comes from the alluvial flood plain in the Mississippi Delta made up of soil drenched over time in minerals.

There are only 45 guest rooms and 5 suites, each decorated luxuriously.

Well-appointed guestroom at the Alluvian Hotel.

The breakfast served daily and included in the price is a full, hot buffet consisting of cheese grits, home fries, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, frittata, scrambled eggs, scones, bagels, biscuits, coffee and juice. Diners are treated to REAL china and silverware with soft jazz playing in the background. An elegant start to your day.

We had a wonderful time. Check out The Alluvian here and the Viking Cooking School here.

Christians, Are We MEAN?

06/14/2019 By: CCPearson8 Comments

Last weekend Steve and I attended the Southern Christian Writers Conference in Tuscaloosa. Yes, gasp, Tuscaloosa — Bryant-Denny Stadium glimpsed from the road, the Houndstooth Condominiums and a Paul W. Bryant street sign to boot. We were in enemy territory from a football rival sense, but we were among like-minded, similarly-motivated people inside First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa.

We sat through meals, keynote speeches and breakout session with editors, publishers, authors, bloggers, representatives of The Alabama Baptist and lots of wannabes, from at least a dozen states, such as ourselves. We were there to learn, get fresh insights, a renewed motivation and a focused purpose.

During Saturday lunch, we purposely sat at the table where we knew Javacia Harris Bowser would be. By all means, check out her website: seejanewritebham.com. Javacia (pronounced “juh-VAY-see-uh”) is a sharp, attractive, highly-accomplished, Christian, African-American woman who lives in Birmingham. She has been recognized by several different organizations for her business savvy and ability to influence others. She led two different sessions on blogging. Steve attended one, and I attended the other. She gave us so much to think about regarding our writing, but she also gave us a lot to chew on regarding the impact of Christians in non-Christian settings.

Javacia got her master’s degree in journalism at University of California-Berkley. Over lunch, she was asked what it was like to live in California and be a Christian. Was it difficult? How did other people treat her, etc.? What she shared surprised us. She said that while she was in school at Berkley, she found a church where she could worship and make friends. She carried on her life the same way she had always done. She didn’t wear any signs on her forehead proclaiming she was a Christian. She merely treated people with kindness and respect, attempting to know who they were, what their concerns were, what they enjoyed and what motivated them. AFTER building a relationship, she would reveal that she was a Christian, and their initial reaction was shock. They couldn’t believe she was a Christian, because, to them, Christians were MEAN, and she was not.

Mean. Us? Could we possibly come across as narrow-minded, bigoted, self-righteous, judgmental, unforgiving, unable to hear another’s viewpoint? Us? Mean?

I’ve been pondering that. If those traits are how we’re perceived, then NO WONDER those outside the Christian faith have no interest in coming in and learning more. Where is our Christlikeness? Do we say words He would say, do deeds He would do, interact with people HE interacted with?

What if every Christian made it their goal to imitate the Savior?

Think about it.

In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the Apostle Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” That seems to sound pretty arrogant on Paul’s part, but I like the way Matthew Henry helps to unpack that verse. His understanding is: “Follow me as far as I follow Christ. Come up as close as you can to my example in those instances wherein I endeavour (Henry’s spelling) to copy after his pattern. Be my disciples, as far as I manifest myself to be a faithful minister and disciple of Christ, and no further. I would not have you be my disciples, but his.” I believe Henry is right in his interpretation.

Paul also wrote Ephesians 5:1-2 which the Living Bible paraphrases like this: “Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. ²Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him.”

Love. Sacrifice. Sweet perfume.

Pretty much the opposite of mean.

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