Columns

By Theresa Parker Pierce

            When I was three years old, my family moved to a house across the street from a church. I was too little to notice the building but the playground caught my eye. I spent the rest of my childhood appreciating the swings and sliding board. Looking back now, I realize that no one ever told me I was not wanted. Over the years, I made friends with the neighbor children and we played kickball on the open field beside the sanctuary.

            I was an unchurched child. I would grow up to be a first generation Christian. It never occurred to me that I was any different than any other child. Cars came and went to the building and while no one ever invited me to join them, the people were always kind.  

            When I turned five, my mother wanted me to attend kindergarten. There was no public preschool. It was convenient enough that the program was across the street and I could go alone. For me, this was the best thing ever. My teacher was amazing! On a sidenote, she called me “my girl” and became friends with my mother. I visited in her home as an adult and kept up with her until her death at the age of 90. Mrs. Mary, as she asked me to call her had a name that was hard to pronounce, Noftsger. I fell so in love with my teacher, that she marked my chosen profession. I retired with 35 years in education. She would say of my teaching, “I am so proud of my girl.”

            Attending church kindergarten, opened a door for me. I asked my momma if I could attend Sunday School. She agreed and I was delighted. Sunday School included more of the lessons I had learned at church kindergarten. We sang, heard Bible stories and talked. Other children asked questions and the teacher answered them. I did not talk. I did not know what to say. I just took it all in.

Sunday School started in a large room. A basket was passed and I placed a small offering in it. A pianist played hymns and songs. I sang at the top of my lungs. The chairs were easy to rock back and forth in. The superintendent took attendance. We were dismissed to small classes, segregated by boys and girls. It was the 1960’s. Then I walked home.

One thing I noticed was a baby nursery. It did not occur to me at the time, but now I know that children younger than me obviously went to church before age five. I could not change the knowledge that my life was different. I was just happy to be there. I loved the colorful posters of Jesus and the children. I loved the teachers. I wanted a string of Sunday School pins for perfect attendance but I knew that was unattainable and accepted it.

Vacation Bible School was even better than Sunday School. I could attend for a week in the summer. They had cookies that fit nicely on my finger. We drank red koolaide in tiny cups with refills. VBS was Sunday School amped up! We took turns holding the flags and Bible for pledges. We visited an orphanage and for once, I saw children who had less than me. It was a game changer. My Sunday School teacher grew up there. I had hope for my future. I wanted to be just like her.

Just when I thought things could not get better, I was invited to join the Children’s Choir.

I think this is when things began to change from wonderful to struggles. I was used to singing from the bottom of my heart but this was serious business. It felt like school. The choir director said, “Someone is off key.” I just knew it was me and began to fake singing. I wish now I had not but I also forgive my younger self. I understand.

            I was growing older and I knew how to survive in my home. But at church and school, I became aware of the world of nice clothes. I did not fit in. I looked nice. I was clean. My clothes were pressed. My mother made them with care but the world of brands cast a long shadow over the teen years of church.  

A beautiful Sunday School teacher drew me in. Just when I began to be disillusioned with church, Mrs. Powers stepped up to teach the Junior High class. It was the first time the boys and girls were mixed. I did not talk or ask questions but I knew she loved us and that was enough. My best friend and I were a dynamic duo. We sat together. It was enough. Our teacher loved us so much, she moved up with our group every year until we graduated high school.

I was not always invited to the parties of the other girls and boys. I was not cool. I joined the Youth Group. I saw hypocrisy. I heard kids making fun. I began to wonder how church kids were different from school kids. But fortunately, there were enough mentors, adult and teens that gave me hope. I watched my best friend’s family attend church, have devotions and do things differently. I wanted that kind of life. Not everyone was perfect. I heard stories. I began to understand how church attendees struggled like everyone else.

            My inner voice kept me going to church and I am so glad that I did. At the age of twelve, I joined the church. My parents attended my baptism and started going to church. I made life- long friends at what I came to call, “my home church.” I grew up to be a church member, nursery worker and VBS teacher. I chose a better life for my children and grandchildren. I still go back to visit. I tell everyone there the difference they made in my life. I thank God that my childhood home was within walking distance of a church. Never underestimate a small child who is seeking God.

            I grew up to raise my family in church all because I was mentored. I remembered and sang the same songs I learned as a child. I have thanked my home church many times. My life was changed. I read somewhere how one Godly man can change the trajectory of generations. A Godly mother can do the same. I thank God every day for those who pointed me in the right direction.

Dear Lord,

            When I meet young and old, help me to remember that those who enter our church may not bring money or skills. Help me remember to not see them as a number. Help me to look at that child as a future parent. Please help me to mentor and encourage others who don’t look or act like me. Help me, please to protect them from human obstacles to their future as a believer. Most importantly, Lord, help me see everyone through Your eyes. Amen

Encouragement: Please consider inviting people to your church, especially children. They can be game changers for their future family. They can discover God’s peace and joy. Going to church gave me peace in my heart. The church showed me a different way of celebrating Christmas and Easter. I learned it was more than Santa and egg hunts. I found joy in singing, listening to testimonies and turning my life over to Christ. I encourage you to invest or continue investing in children. You can point the way for young person and change not only their life but their children and children’s children. I am living proof. Ray Boltz sang a song called, “Thank you for giving to the Lord, I have a life that was changed.” Someone did it for you, will you sew into God’s kingdom to change your neighbor, city and world?

1. Do you invite people to church so you can earn a prize?
2. When someone attends your church, do you size them up by what they wear or if their parents will donate to the church?
3. Do you allow people to attend church to grow or only look at how they can contribute to the volunteer staff?
4. Are you willing to mentor children with an open heart, giving them a ride to church and or including them in your programs?

Here is a short video by Steve Hartman that shows the difference that acts of kindness can make in another person’s life.

Enjoy!