Nineteen Years
Today marks another milestone – nineteen years of sobriety for my dad. My heart breaks when I stop to consider the years of struggle and agony he endured both before September 8, 1990, as he fought with the impetus and the results of his addiction, and after that date when everyday was another day of refusing to give in to the desire to satisfy that thirst that never really goes away.
But then I think of the years of ministry he enjoyed as a result of this triumph, the lives he touched, the people he was able to point to the Savior, as the former pales in light of this victory.
I’m proud of my dad. I love my father. And the struggle is over for him. Never again will he face that temptation. And his sobriety record will continue for all eternity.
The Snooze Button
Written June 2005
With the daily newscasts screaming the reports of the unspeakable acts of violence – murder, suicide, child molestation, rape, kidnapping, etc. – on top of the reports of the anguish and distress among the nations of the world, eruption of civil wars, terrorists on the loose and threats of nuclear attack made weekly on neighboring countries as well as the United States and Israel, it is astounding to realize that the church is asleep!! We have been lulled to sleep by the powerful influence of materialism, comfort and ease and idleness.
St. Paul wrote to the church at Rome (Romans 13:11-12): “Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent and the day is at hand.”
Paul is crying out to us, “Wake up!!” The answer to the problems of this storm-ravaged world is Christ the Lord, but this message cannot be sounded by a church that sleeps!
Again, St. Paul blows the trumpet when he says, “Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Ephesians 5:14.
Don’t hit the “snooze button.” See you in church.
Comment from Bea Blackmon
I remember your dad as being a very gifted speaker with a powerful and compelling use of language. I also remember him as funny and interesting to be with. One day I came home from work and found him seated at my kitchen table. Placed in front of him on the table was an empty dinner plate, a glass and utensils. He had a fork in his hand to tell me that he was hungry! He was well loved and respected and did a lot of good – only heaven will reveal how much.
Reply:
Those funny moments and the corny sense of humor he had about him are some of the things Andy and I laughed so hard about during our time in Danville last week. It was difficult to be sad for him for we know where he is and so we remembered and laughed. It was very healing. In the coming days there will be pictures posted to this site that will share this side of my Dad with the world.
Thank you for your love and care Aunt Bea!!!!
Comment from Brenda Erickson
This comment was posted to the newspaper that carried my father’s obituary. We are very grateful for the kind words and prayer support.
May 12, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I loved your dad and miss him so much. I can’t believe he is gone, it doesn’t seem real. He helped a lot of people during his lifetime and that will live on.
Brenda Erickson (Providence, NC)
Comment from Celeste Barlow
This comment was posted to the newspaper that carried my father’s obituary. We are very grateful for the kind words and prayer support.
May 8, 2008
Andy & Danny- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I’m not sure if you remember me or not, but I am Paul & Lou Adam’s granddaughter. My grandmother (Lou) passed away in July, so I know the grief you are feeling. You are both in my prayers during this difficult time. My Grandmother and your Mother kept in contact until my grandmother became too ill early last year. Mrs. Gwen is also in my prayers. She is one of the classiest and sweetest ladies I have ever known. I also have such fond memories of your Father. He ALWAYS made me laugh! I will also never forget all the times Andy & I played together while the adults did their thing. Your family will always hold a special place in my heart. I know you will miss him, but ain’t heaven sweeter with him there. God bless, and take care. Celeste
Celeste Barlow (Pascagoula, MS)
Later, Celeste emailed to share some of her memories of my parents.
Dan,
Hello! Thank you so much for directing me to the memorial website for your father. It is wonderful! It is such a well written, honest, loving tribute to him! Last year when my grandmother passed, I had to go through her things. I found some photographs of your family. I have scanned them and attached them to this email. I hope you enjoy them. I know when I look at them, they bring a smile to my face. Our families had some great times together through the years. Please let me know if you have any problems viewing them.
I would like to share 2 stories with you if I may. The first story is about your mother. In 1980 my parents divorced and my father kidnapped my 2 younger brothers. Back then there wasn’t the technology to track people like there is today. 2 years went by and we had no idea where they were. In 1982 your mother and my grandmother decided that they should fast together. Your mother from Memphis and my grandmother here in Pascagoula. Everyday they would call each other and pray together for God to bring my brothers home. I believe they fasted and prayed for a week. Just a few weeks later, we received a call from a lady in Salt Lake City, Utah, informing us where my brothers were located. We were able to bring them home safely the following week. My family has never forgotten the sacrifice your mother made by fasting and praying for my family during that difficult time. We are certain God heard and answered the prayers of those 2 wonderful prayer warriors. We all just think the world of Mrs. Gwen. Now, we are praying for her and your family.
My second story is about your father. I remember your family had left Pascagoula and your father had gone back to being an evangelist. He came down here to preach at a small little church. He may have even been staying with my grandparents. Church came that Sunday and I remember him riding with my grandparents to that little church. I was probably 8 years old or so and as I listened to your father’s message that day I began looking around (I was a very observant child). On the way to lunch after church I remember my grandparents in the front seat and your dad and I were in the back seat. I looked up at him and I told him, “Bro. Bill, I enjoyed your sermon today. But there weren’t very many people there to hear it.” He replied, “No, it was a small church.” To which I replied, “Yes it was! I only counted 9 people and I even included God!” I thought he would never stop laughing! He always made me laugh, and I think that was the first time I actually made him laugh! Every time I saw him after that, we always laughed about how I even counted God!
Thank you for letting me share those stories with you. I am 36 years old now, but those memories are still so strong in my mind. Both of your parents made such an impact on my life – one that I will never forget.
Thank you again for emailing me, it was good to hear from you.
God Bless,
Celeste
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