11/04/2025
🔥Today’s SOAP:
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.”
2 Timothy 1:6 NLT 🔥
Today, the phrase - “fan the flames” grabs my heart….
As I ponder on this idea, God brings many former pastors & Bible teachers, & mentors to mind. Bro. Billy Little, Bro. Tim May, Bro. William Martin, Bro. Jack Lane, & Bro. Watson from my earliest memories, as a youngster, growing up in west Jackson, MS.
Others, like Bro. Ed McDonald saved me twice- he led me in “the prayer” when I finally understood what Jesus did for ME…. And a 2nd time at the Lake, after going down the slide and nearly drowning 😰🤦♀️😵💫
We “rolled” Bro. May’s house as a teen group “welcoming” him to the youth ministry at our church. 😮😝🤷♀️
Multiple pastors have “fanned the flame” in my heart over the years, including the most beloved Billy Graham, who I heard as a teen at the stadium at UMMC. Another time, it was Bro. Dan Guest, who knew my MaMaw from Pelahatchie, MS, so I felt like he was a family friend before really knowing him.
Another pastor with connections to my family was Bro Barry Corbett … be also married a childhood acquaintance, from Ridgeland - yet another connection…😘
Mr. Raymond McClure drove a church bus and served as deacon at church. He greeted me when I walked the aisle. He talked with me m, and over my teen years, was always kind and encouraging.
Others who fanned the flame include Mr. Johnny at the hardware store…. Mr. Perry & Mr. McNair, other church bus drivers, Mr. Jerry Byrd, Miss Sue Butler, Miss Irene Breeland, Mrs. Laurie Gwaltney, and many faces whose names fail me….
Most recently , our church’s whole team of pastors have fanned the flame: Pastor Scott, Pastor Rusty, Pastor Tim, & Pastor Ryan ✝️
These people influenced my growth and maturity into who I’ve become today. They influenced my desire to walk with Christ, even as a young child. They spoke His Truth when they taught; they offered hugs and encouraging words randomly - not bc of some rule or guidance…. They modeled a Godly walk with Christ. It was true and genuine compassion and love that fanned the flame.
Still others came along when we had our kids who needed Godly leaders… Bro. Chris Webb, Mrs. Sue Dorill, Mrs. BJ Swafford, Bro Stuart MacKenzie, & of course Mrs Anne Porter.
These Godly mentors, pastors & friends have a place in my heart for all eternity. These people (& many others) carried Bibles to church and took notes during sermons or other classes; these people sat and listened to heartaches & struggles and orayed iver the hurting. ♥️These people mourned & grieved with their Christian brothers & sisters.
These people fanned the flame of encouragement and hospitality that I try to use to honor God. 🔥 These Christians lived life on their own journeys yet made time to fan the flames of growing Christians, & for that, I’m grateful 😍
🔥Today, I’m thankful for all the lifetime connections and people who’ve fanned the flames, improving my life & my walk with Christ. 🔥