Ties that Bind
“Put on love which binds them all together.”
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
I grew up in a large Southern Baptist church where we often had extended hymn sings during the Sunday night worship services. These extended hymn sessions usually followed the baptism of new believers and allowed our pastor time to change his wet clothes and make his way back to the pulpit. “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” was a congregational favorite at those services.
“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”
“Blest be the tie that binds” has been my sacred echo over the last five days. That theme began Wednesday night with our church’s annual Christmas at the Caroline House event. I invited my daughter, sister, sister-in-law, and two sons’ wives to be my guests. We enjoyed a fun girls’ night out with dinner and a decorator house tour. In the process, we had good conversation and caught up on each other’s lives: new jobs; new challenges; children; grandchildren; and upcoming plans for the holidays. The tie that binds this group of women together is the love of family.
Friday morning Bruce and I headed to Auburn to serve as witnesses for a dear friend’s wedding. One of Bruce’s former Auburn football teammates was getting married and asked Bruce to serve as his Best Man. Greg’s bride Sharon asked me to serve as her Matron of Honor. We were honored to do so. Auburn football was only part of the tie that binds us together with Greg.
“The Ministry of Sorrow” also binds us. Author Tim Challies, writing in his excellent book Seasons of Sorrow says, “The ministry of sorrow (is) a ministry of faithful suffering.” Greg lost his first two wives to cancer. He understands loss and grief more than most. Much more than an Auburn teammate, Greg has been a very faithful and present friend over the last nine months since James Bruce’s death.
The Apostle Paul once wrote “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep ” (Romans 12:15 ESV). Bruce and I rejoiced with Greg and Sharon as they took their wedding vows in front of Auburn’s Samford Hall Friday afternoon. A number of Auburn students and early tailgaters also rejoiced with us!
Saturday morning Jennifer, a faithful friend and prayer warrior, dropped off a hug and a Thanksgiving Care package with a card that read, “Just wanted you to know that I am keeping you and Bruce is my prayers as you move into this holiday season.” Bruce and Jennifer taught together at Vestavia Hills High School. Jennifer is much more than a co-worker, however. She was truly an advocate for James Bruce and his day program at United Ability (formerly UCP-Lincpoint). The SGA’s “Life Without Limits” fundraiser honored James Bruce as a VHHS graduate; provided every item on United Ability’s wish list; and donated an additional $25,000 to United Ability. Friendship, prayer, and love for James Bruce are ties that bind us together.
Sunday morning Bruce and I worshipped with our former church family at Knollwood Presbyterian (PCA) in Sylacauga. Today was “Milt & Evelyn Hurston Day” with dinner on the church grounds and the celebration of two lives well-lived.
Milt and Evelyn Hurston with daughter Connie Macon
When Bruce and I moved to Sylacauga in 1979, we were new parents to our five-week-old daughter. We visited several local churches, but discovered true Christian community and fellowship at Knollwood. Evangelism, prayer, hospitality, and small group discipleship were this church’s top priorities. Evelyn and Milt Hurston became mentors to Bruce and me. It was my honor to speak on her behalf today.
Evelyn organized everything in our church from the adult choir to Women’s Ministry. It was Evelyn who first taught me how to study the Bible on my own. Evelyn was quick to encourage, but she wasn’t afraid to say hard things. That included correction when needed. I’ll never forget the day she sat at my kitchen table and said, “You need to ask ‘M’ to forgive you.”
I protested initially, but Evelyn persisted, even to the point of insisting on going with me to make sure I followed through. That whole encounter was a painful lesson that I never wanted to repeat. Evelyn Hurston was faithful and fruitful. She trained other women to grow, flourish, and multiply. Together, Evelyn and Milt are still mentoring and modeling how to finish well as they approach their 65th year of marriage.
Family, Auburn football, grief, friendship, community, and church are all ties that have bound us together with these loved ones. Christ, however, is the Ultimate Tie that binds us together. As Christians we are first united to Christ and then united to each other.
“You are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:18 (NIV)
Blest be the tie that binds!