Well, they’re over. The 28th edition of the Southside Lectures has gone the way of the previous twenty-seven. And this one just may go down as the best one yet.

I always have mixed emotions about seeing the lectures come to an end. My body is weary. My mind can hardly concentrate. But my heart is full.

Much like the week of Dry Creek camp, there are some people that I only see once a year, and that’s during lectures. Our friends like Robert McGaffey from Tennessee, the Morrison family from out west, the Salters and the Jacksons from Memphis, and the Peedens from East Texas have all become special to the Southside Lectures and the Southside congregation. I love to hear them say after the last night, “we can’t wait for next year.” Neither can I.

This year was unique in that it was the first time in lectures history that R.J. & Pauline Stevens were unable to attend. But the singing did not suffer. John Kilgore, Brent Lewis, and Glenn Tomblin did an outstanding job leading hymns of praise to God, especially on such short notice. And they reminded us that it’s not about who’s singing, but to Whom we are singing.

The combination of the speakers was powerful, provoking, and poignant. Russ Bowman, Kenny Moorer, David Thomley, and Jim Ward took the truths from the word of God and literally brought them home. Every single lecture was filled with the examination and application of Biblical principles. They kept us on the edge of our seats and on the verge of decision. They made us laugh. They made us cry. They made us think. We are indebted to these four men of God.

The theme was fitting and timely: God’s Home and Family. It touched every life. It entered every household. We were reminded of our responsibilities in our relationships with our immediate families as well as among the family of God. It made me want to be a better husband, a better father, a better son, a better brother. It made me want to be a better Christian.

The Southside people showed for the 28th year in a row why they are the best group of God’s people on this side of heaven. We had record crowds, certainly because there were visitors, but mostly because the Southside congregation overwhelming supported the Southside Lectures. Several took vacation time from work to attend the morning sessions. Many came in spite of not feeling well and other distractions during the week. You showed your family what was most important. And you made me proud to be a part of you.

And the young people impressed our visitors with something that the folks here already knew: we have an outstanding batch of teenagers. They came together, they sat together, they listened together. Each of the speakers made special mention of them, both privately and publicly. It was well deserved.

It was just a wonderful week, one that in many ways, I was sad to see come to an end. But I have many memories stashed away, ready to be recalled when the challenges and battles come. I will remember the sounds of the singing and powerful preaching. I will remember the sights of our people serving and assisting. I will remember the glimpse of heaven and eternity. “That will be glory for me.”

Isn’t God good?