On the Picture of Christmas

“‘Pictures have a way of changing you - far more profoundly and far more permanently than words ever could.’  Maybe that’s what God had in mind some 2,000 years ago when He sent us a picture of himself - and according to Hebrews,  an exact representation of His being.  I can tell you that picture has changed me - for more profoundly and far more permanently than any words I have ever heard spoken. “ RBG

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).

On Christmas Memories

“Every year we all gathered at the Reynolds United Methodist Church to take communion early in the evening on Christmas Eve. The minister would be there for several hours serving the sacrament to individual families.  When our family entered the building, we would greet another family who was leaving and then wait in silence on another family being served. Each family would speak to other families in whispers and there would be a lot of hugs with life long friends we lived and worked with every day. A heartfelt “Merry Christmas” was always whispered in the ears of those you hugged. I will always remember the way Mama made sure we began our Christmas celebration. Some of my best memories in life.” RBG

On Growing Up in Church

"I remember sitting in church next to Daddy one Sunday morning. It was plainly written in the church bulletin that the title of Brother Johnson’s sermon would be, “What Time is It?” Everybody in the congregation obviously saw that... but Daddy. He didn’t notice because he spent the entire time writing figures on the bulletin. It was obvious to me that he was not paying one bit of attention as to what was going on in church. I’m not sure if he was working on a deal or trying to figure out how to pay a bill, but he was doing some serious figuring. Finally the time came for the sermon to begin. Brother Johnson stepped up to the pulpit and began his sermon with these words, 'What time is it?'  All of a sudden Daddy looked at his watch and blurted out loud for everyone to hear, “It’s 25 minutes til 12!” RBG

On IBS

"I’ve never had a baby myself but I have been close to it. I am probably one of the few men you would ever meet who has experienced labor pains.  I know how tough it is to be driving down the road doing 90 MPH going through transition. I’ve experienced that pain. I also know what it’s like to go from 5 CM to 10 CM in 30 seconds.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome does that to you.” RBG

On Moments

"Life is a journey that is made up of moments. Some are wonderful. Others can be very painful. But it is not the moment that defines us.  It is the way we handle the moment.” RBG

On Seeing Clearly

“Although my Ophthalmologist may not agree, I am positive this is true: The older I get the better I see.” RBG

On Work Ethic

"We grew up working and earning every penny of our spending money.  It didn't matter what we did on Friday nights - we had to be at work at the store at 8AM on Saturdays.  I remember being kinda proud when I heard all the cheering for my play during a high school basketball game on a Friday night.  I can tell you there was no cheering at my house on Saturday morning." RBG