Day 22
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5-6
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved
and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.”
Story from the Blue Seats:
Earthly examples of Christ’s righteousness guide us and inspire us. My Gramps lived a life marked by leading with wisdom, acting with justice, and serving with righteousness. Gramps has always been my earthly example. While there are many Gramps stories I could share, one stands out above all others as it still positively impacts the lives of others – 90 years after the story began – the story of the bail of cotton.
Gramps was one of ten children in his family growing up on a tenant farm during the Great Depression. He wanted to go to college, the first in his family, but lacked the funds to do so. Gramps’ father agreed to give him the proceeds of a single bail of cotton (about $50 in 1934 – a significant sum then). Never losing sight of his father’s sacrifice, Gramps graduated from the University of Georgia in three years with a degree in agriculture education as he wanted to serve and teach others. During his 37 years of teaching Future Farmers of America, he impacted the lives of countless high school students by listening, encouraging, role-modeling, supporting, and challenging students to become their best. Many of his students became earthly examples of Christ’s righteousness and justice in their careers, including a US Senator, a county school superintendent, state congressional representatives, teachers, school administrators, farmers, local business owners, and pastors.
Although Gramps retired from teaching in 1974, he didn’t really stop teaching, listening, and helping others. As a field representative for a US Senator, he traveled to towns in rural Georgia, listened to their concerns and needs, and became their voice. As a young child, I remember travelling, in a green Dodge Dart, with him to see farmers impacted by a severe draught. I still admire the way he compassionately spoke to people, genuinely heard them, and valued their feedback. And maybe, most importantly, Gramps secured the assistance and resources available to meet their immediate needs. Had Gramps not shown up, many in these small communities likely would have gone unnoticed, unheard, and unassisted.
Gramps was passionate about education; particularly, equal access to higher education and teaching future generations. For the remaining years of his life, he created, sponsored, and funded several scholarships to assist prospective teachers mitigate the financial barriers to obtaining a college degree. To this day, 6-7 high school seniors and current college students receive financial assistance to help them complete their education. These scholarships are examples of ways Gramps took the bigger view, captured the possible, and continues to serve others. That $50 bail of cotton continues to give. Christmas celebrations and New Year’s resolutions are a time to think about those who have modeled Jesus’ righteousness and justice. Second to Christ, the life I look to as I strive to live a life of justice and righteousness is my Gramps.
