We walked by flashlight to the swimming pool the night that Paige White was baptized. There must have been a million stars shining over the pine trees there in the middle of Dry Creek, Louisiana. And we knew that they were not the only eyes watching from heaven. My sixth grade boys who had been so rowdy and carefree all week long suddenly became quiet and reverent, looking around and soaking in every moment. They gathered by the edge of the water along with several other junior high kids and pointed their lights into the middle of the pool. Just minutes before, Paige told me that she wanted to be right with God; “you’re almost there,” I thought as I took her hand and asked her the most important question she will ever answer. The first thing she heard when she came up from the water was the sound of Justin Campbell leading those beautiful young voices in the song, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” She cried in my arms. Soon, she was in the familiar embrace of Christine Craig and Lindsey Lester and others from her Southside family. After Ron Kirkwood led a prayer, we walked back, gazing at the same stars that seemed to shine even brighter.

Life is made up of memories. God gives us special moments along our journey to rejuvenate, restore, and revive our spirits. Through the simplest of experiences, He reminds us of our purpose here and helps us refocus our vision on spiritual pursuits. And it’s no coincidence that these seemingly magical glimpses of heaven come exactly when we need them.

We made some memories during the lectures last week. We had the best support from our members in the four years that I have been associated with this good church. Many took vacation time and rearranged their work schedules so they could be here for the morning sessions. Our young people faithfully came, brought their friends, and sat up front. Folks came early, stayed late, and in between commented that they didn’t want the week to end.

The singing was spectacular. We had the largest crowd we have ever had on Thursday night. The fact that I couldn’t hear myself not only enhanced the experience, it made me realize how everyone must have been singing their hearts out under R.J.’s direction. A time or two, I tried to just listen, but “I heard the song and strove to join.”

The preaching was powerful. Who will forget Wilson Adams’ sermon on divorce? Or Phil Roberts’ exposition of the book of Jonah? Or Russ Bowman’s lesson on providence? Or Don Truex’s lecture about materialism? These four men so ably preached on the “Christian’s Clash with Culture” because they stand in bold contrast to our sin-sick society. Yet they spoke to us with the same humility and gentleness of their Lord who gave them the message.

How will the 22nd Annual Southside Lectures be remembered? I am concerned that we will ignore the same warnings that Hosea, Amos, Joel, and Haggai sounded to Israel so many years ago. That we will not consider their punishment for disobedience and suffering for harlotry that they endured. That we will “sell the righteous for money” (). Instead, let’s remember what we’ve heard and what we’ve read and start living it. With the help of our God and one another, we can make our failures before Him distant memories.