Not Only for Himself

Sometime ago my son was looking at some pictures of his childhood and had some questions. He was amazed how the friends he had around him then are all still connected in some ways over 30 years later. He wanted to know the story of the beginnings of ‘his village’. Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of a man who I think God has used to not only touch lives but built villages. Our Bishop and his wife have lived their lives building bridges and connecting souls. As we came together yesterday from different states and countries where we have ‘scattered’, it was evident that we have an unbreakable bond. One that was forged at the feet of this man and his amazing wife who gave him the space to be who God called him to be.

Bishop Delmadge has lived a life not only for himself — but he also continues to live it for those he serves and pours into. Although he and wife of 54 years have 3 sons, we came to find out that he has openly adopted many more sons and daughters. Each thinking that they are the special one 😊! The picture above speaks to the life they’ve lived. They touch lives. Leaving a legacy of love wherever they go. We’ve heard different voices, but the story remains the same. He gives and gives unreservedly, with the same measure of kindness. The same man you see at home is the same man in the pulpit and on the streets. I and countless others have lived in their home at some time or the other. His kind is rare and unfortunately a dying breed. When he says you can call him anytime day or night, he is not lying. We’ve seen it; we’ve heard the stories. He is truly a man of his word and filled with integrity.

As my eyes glanced around the room yesterday, I thought this is what the celebration of life looks like. From the babies to the octogenarians and beyond; we all were connected by the life of this man of God. He’ll always remind us that it’s not about him. He just said yes to the God who called and positioned him in a place of purpose. He didn’t have a plan or an agenda. All he wanted to do was to serve God from a place of gratitude. Because of his response and obedience, countless lives across this country and many others have been touched and rescued. What a legacy of love and devotion to purpose!

So, to answer my son’s why and how his village started –I point to the man who lived a life not just for himself. In the middle of Brooklyn, New York a little sanctuary stands that has provided a safe harbor for many. I just ‘happened’ to walk by one cold snowy day. For some reason I walked in, instead of going to my regular church. The rest they say is history. We have countless stories to share and reminisce about. I, like many others, have spread our wings to other locations. However, we still carry in our hearts the seeds of faith and love sown there by this servant leader. God makes no mistake. He still does wonders with a life that says ‘yes’. Maybe you are next in line, challenged to say ‘yes’. Don’t miss out on a purpose-filled life. Ensure your response is the right one – say yes!

All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God:
God’s blessing inside the city, God’s blessing in the country
God’s blessing on your children, the crops of your land, the young of your livestock, the calves of your herds, the lambs of your flocks.
God’s blessing on your basket and bread bowl
God’s blessing in your coming in, God’s blessing in your going out.

Deuteronomy 28: 2-6 [MSG]