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We saw God's work in Walmart's dinosaur aisle.

After attending church on Sunday, we received an assignment from Linda Whitley, who provided us with five 'Angel Tree' tags and instructed us to pay close attention to the ages and specific toy preferences for each child. We proceeded to Walmart to purchase the five designated items, where we encountered Stan in the aisle featuring dinosaur toys. He explained that he was selecting toys to donate to a church, as was his annual tradition. We shared that we were also making donations through our church and had been given a list of required toys. Upon learning that our church was First Baptist on Scotland Street, we discovered, after a brief conversation, that both of us were purchasing toys to support the same congregation.  

He reviewed our list and inquired whether any toys remained on it, but we only had the tags that were provided to us on Sunday. He departed briefly and subsequently returned with a $100 bill, requesting that we double our purchases so that more children could receive gifts. John and Bobbie Walker from Annapolis, Maryland, overheard our conversation with Stan, witnessed his contribution, and generously offered additional funds for us to buy even more toys. At this juncture, Mike contacted Linda Whitley to seek guidance regarding the selection of items to purchase with the extra money we received from individuals previously unknown to us at Walmart. I then asked Mike to obtain an additional shopping cart, as our original cart was already filled with our selections alongside those from Stan, John, and Bobbie. He returned to the dinosaur aisle in tears. After a brief pause, he handed over another $100. Once composed, he shared that on his way to get another cart, he ran into our friend, JarMarcus King, the owner of J&F Alliance Group, and recounted the events in Walmart's toy section—Stan’s donation prompted additional contributions from the Walkers. JarMarcus then told Mike, “Man, I got to do something too,” and that was the $100 bill that Mike showed me.

We originally intended to purchase five items based on 'Angel Tree' tags and deliver them to the church as requested. Unexpectedly, four generous individuals gathered in the Walmart toy section to support the Salvation Army’s ‘Angel Tree’ program. As a result, we were able to leave with 28 toys for children aged 3-5. The experience highlighted how collective generosity can expand our ability to assist others—a meaningful way to observe the holiday season and to bless others. 

A Truly Joyful and Rewarding Time in My Life

Becoming involved with various First Baptist Church projects following my retirement has become a truly joyful and rewarding time in my life. Being engaged in church and community activities, I have learned new skills, and I have had an opportunity to meet some incredible people. Perhaps the most gratifying experience is having the opportunity to witness the sincerity of individuals who strive daily to be a blessing in the lives of fellow human beings.

As I reflect on my experience as a member at First Baptist Church, I am better able to understand the life application and meaning of my favorite scripture which is found in Psalms 1:3.  In the King James Version it states…”And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

God has brought me to this place and time such that perhaps my walk as a “Believer” will become a source of encouragement for one of God’s creations. My prayer is that I be a fruitful tree and that I be a source of encouragement to those who I meet along my journey in life.

A Blessing That Was Years in the Making

As so many of us do on New Year's Eve, I was taking time to reflect on the year. I thought about some of the highs and lows of 2024, and there was one thing that really stood out.  I was blessed with a great opportunity to do something I didn't think would ever happen. But as I thought about that wonderful experience, I realized that the beginning of that blessing started years ago.

In order to appreciate the fullness of what transpired, I need to refer back to 2018. April of that year, I was asked to speak at a program in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  My part in that program was to give a response to his book, Why We Can't Wait.  It was a response that I can unequivocally say was divinely imparted. For you see, as I was preparing the response, it came out in the form of a poem. Now mind you, I had never really written any poetry, so I was quite amazed. The poem is entitled, Do You Know Why We Can't Wait?  It addresses some of the points that Dr. King was making back then, while also highlighting some of the similar conditions of 2018.   

Now, fast forward to November 2024. Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King III came to Williamsburg, VA to ring the Freedom Bell at The Historic First Baptist Church and to attend the Let Freedom Ring Foundation annual gala. It was at this time that one of the highs of my year happened. The Lord allowed me the opportunity to get to meet and give a copy of that poem and my book to Mr. King. I would not have ever thought that would happen.  It is amazing what God can and will do if we yield to His will. 

As for 2025 … I don't know what lies ahead.  However, I know my God, who can and does do exceedingly and abundantly above all I can ask or even think according to the power that works within me … I know, He is already there.  He will walk with us throughout the coming year and if we yield to his will, who knows, what we do in 2025 may be the beginning of a blessing that will multiply and cross over many years to come.