legacy – Grits with Grace

Family, gratitude, life, Military memories, Scripture, thankful

Just Like Papa

Posted on December 12, 2025December 11, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24

It is absolutely one of my favorite pictures. It was more than a few years ago when Blake and Sarah were stationed in Savanah, Georgia. He was serving in the United States Army—one of thousands of families who make the sacrifice to go where they are sent and do what they are called to do. Now, of all the places the Army can send a family, Savanah was good duty. The oldest city in Georgia and located in the Southeastern side of Georgia it is rich in heritage and about 25 miles from the beach. Not bad.

Well, one day Judy suggested we should go down and see them. Let’s see…family, grits, history, and pralines (in case you don’t know they are a crisp or semi-crisp candy typically consisting of butter, brown sugar, and pecans. You need to try them.) Yup…sounded like a great idea. We loaded up the van and off we sent. It’s about an eleven-hour drive and we broke it up into two days because we were not as young as we used to be and to us the journey is part of the adventure.

When we arrived in Savanah, there were the usual “big hellos” and “what’s happening?” Soon after we arrived came the next two big questions—what were we going to eat and what were we going to do? We decided to go to the historic downtown. If you have never been to Savanah, it is hard to describe this special part of the city. It is a series of parks, literally block after block, filled with trees, flowers, monuments, and fountains. Oh, and there is a Five Guys Burgers and Fries nearby. It couldn’t get any better. It’s like the Southern part of heaven.

After three or four blocks of strolling I decided it was time to sit down. I wandered over to an empty park bench to sit a spell. As I sometimes do, I leaned back, locking my hands behind my head and just relaxed. The birds were singing, the squirrels were playing, and life was good. And then, it got better. While I was sitting there doing my relaxing thing, my grandson Will, who was about four, came over to the park bench and eyed his Papa. What he did next is recorded in a photograph and in my heart.

Will, with a bit of a struggle, climbed up and sat on the park bench. He then gave me a look, raised his hands behind his head and locked his fingers. He was imitating his Papa. He was doing what he saw me doing. Judy, with the keen eye of a great photographer and grandmother, snapped the picture. It was only when we got home that we saw the true beauty of the picture. Today, a copy sits on my desk in my home office, and it is indeed one of my treasures.

Will reminded me that day there are always people watching and looking and often imitating us. Sometimes they are family, sometimes they are fellow church members, sometimes neighbors, sometimes even strangers. But they are watching and looking to see what we are going to do, how we are going to react and then they do what we do. That might be the reason when one of Jesus’ disciples ran—then they all did. It might be why when one person in the crowd shouted “crucify Him,” they all did. This picture makes me pause and ask, “What are my kids, my grandkids, my friends, the yet to be friends around me, seeing when they see me?” What do they see at the park, in Walmart and yes, on Facebook? Hmmm.

The guy who wrote Hebrews says that we should consider—we should weigh carefully—how we may spur one another on toward love and good works.” In other words, the things we do and say should cause others to do good—and not to do evil. We are to be beacons of light shining out into a dark, rough, and dangerous sea. I guess I really love that picture because of the innocence of it all. But what if, what if, that same picture showed me being hateful or rude. What brings me joy would, and should, then bring tears.

Today is a new day. I like new days. New days say I get another chance. Let’s use this day with the knowledge that people are watching and we get to show them the way to get it right—not wrong. I know, it is a daunting task…but we have a great, big God pulling for us. Just like I got to set an innocent example for Will, so Jesus has set a sterling example for us. Just follow the leader and you can’t go wrong. So, climb up on the bench, sit a spell and rest. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

communication, Family, life, thankful, wisdom

Everyday Stories

Posted on June 2, 2025May 30, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” Numbers 90:12

It wouldn’t cut soft butter today but back then it was cutting edge. I’m a tech guy. I loved the newest and greatest technology. When a new something comes out, if I’m not careful, I am on my way to grab one. Of course, the funny part is it usually ends up sitting around somewhere. Even my iPhone is mad because of the hours it sits on the counter—unloved and unattended. Frequently I have to apologize for not returning a call or not answering a text…not because I’m ignoring a person—I’m ignoring my phone.

This love affair with tech began when I was a kid. When it came time for Christmas, I would browse the Sears catalogue and dream of the cool gifts that might come my way. And somehow, Momma and Daddy, with a little help from Santa, would pull it off. Of course, sometimes they surprised me. It would have been Christmas of, oh, 1966 and I received something totally unexpected and totally cool. It was a small, battery powered, portable reel-to-reel tape recorder. This was before eight-tracks, before cassettes…before anything. The size of large book, it gave me the ability to record something and play that something back.

One time I took my recorder to my grandparent’s house in Gainesville, Florida. My grandfather (there was no “Papa” with him) was talking with my Daddy and was even telling a joke. I decided to start the recorder and record what they were saying. Sure enough it worked and later, I played the tape for everyone, and we all marveled at the ability for something so small to do that. But here is the amazing part. Somewhere in my stuff, is a small reel of tape and on that tape is my grandfather and my Daddy’s voices…probably the only recording to exist. Even though they are gone…their voices live on.

Their.Voices.Live.On. Think about that for just a moment. Both of these men who influenced me so much have long since passed away. But through technology their voices can still be heard. Oh, I know it is not a big deal now but back then…it was so unusual and that makes the recording valuable. They are, if you will, speaking from the grave.

In one of those moments of clarity, I recently realized that I too, one day, will speak from the grave. My life, my actions, my priorities, my values, sermons I have preached, and stories I have written, will all be left behind and all will speak. And I wonder…what will they say of me and what will they say of who I was? When my great grandchildren hear the stories of their great Papa, will those stories be stories worthy to share? Will the words encourage them to live right and do right, or leave them scratching their head like a batter thrown a good curve ball on a hot Saturday afternoon? We should all hope to leave a story that is worth telling…one that brings some light and laughter into their world.

There is a verse I keep coming back to time and again. Moses wrote it thousands of years ago and yet is as fresh as today’s news. He asked God to help him number his days that he could gain a wise heart. He wasn’t asking for his math to be accurate when he counted birthdays. No, he was asking that he be wise enough to make the most, the very most, of every single day.

Legacy. It is a great word, and we are all leaving one. The only question is, “What kind will it be?” That is up to us. Five days a week I publish a story but in reality…I write one everyday…and so do you. Let’s be sure to write one worth telling. Fortunately, there is a publisher who is all about helping us and if we are Jesus followers, we call Him Dearest Daddy. He is more than willing to help us write a best seller…after all, that’s just one more thing He does. He’s got that too. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, school days, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, wisdom

Lasting Words

Posted on June 14, 2024June 8, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” Numbers 90:12

It wouldn’t cut soft butter today but back then it was cutting edge. I’m a tech guy. I love the newest and greatest technology. When a new something comes out, if I’m not careful, I am on my way to grab one. Of course, the funny part is it usually ends up sitting around somewhere. Even my iPhone is mad because of the hours it sits on the counter—unloved and unattended. Frequently I must apologize for not returning a call or not answering a text…not because I’m ignoring a person—I’m ignoring my phone.

One time I took my recorder to my grandparents’ house in Gainesville, Florida. My grandfather (there was no “Papa” with him) was talking with my Daddy and was telling a joke. I decided to start the recorder and record what they were saying. Sure enough it worked and later, I played the tape for everyone, and we all marveled at the ability for something so small to do that. But here is the amazing part. Somewhere in my stuff, is a small reel of tape and on that tape is my grandfather and Daddy’s voices…probably one of the few recordings to exist. Even though they are gone…their voices live on.

Their.Voices.Live.On. Think about that for just a moment. Both men who influenced me so much have long since passed away. But through technology their voices can still be heard. Oh, I know it is not a big deal now but back then…it was so unusual and that makes the recording valuable. They are, if you will, speaking from the grave.

In one of those moments of clarity, I recently realized that I too, one day, will speak from the grave. My life, my actions, my priorities, my values, sermons I have preached, and stories I have written, will all be left behind and all will speak. And I wonder…what will they say of me and what will they say of who I was? When my great grandchildren hear the stories of their great Papa, will those stories be stories worthy of sharing? Will the words encourage them to live right and do right, or leave them scratching their head like a batter thrown a good curve ball on a hot Saturday afternoon? We should all hope to leave a story that is worth telling…one that brings some light and laughter into their world.

Legacy. It is a great word, and we are all leaving one. The only question is, “What kind will it be?” That is up to us. Five days a week I publish a short story with a big truth but in reality…I write one everyday…and so do you. Let’s be sure to write one worth telling. Fortunately, there is a publisher who is all about helping us and if we are Jesus followers, we call Him Dearest Daddy. He is more than willing to help us write a best seller…after all, that’s just one more thing He does. He’s got that too. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture, thankful, Trials

Taking Care of Family

Posted on March 6, 2023March 5, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and He will repay you!” Proverbs 19:17

I know I didn’t know them…but I felt I did. As a pastor I occasionally receive a call from either a funeral home or a family that has experienced the loss of a loved one and they don’t have a pastor that can help them. Well, that happened recently. A mother had died and her sister, on behalf of the family, contacted me. Could I help them? I agreed but I had a request. I try and make every service personal and special and since I didn’t know her or the family, I asked they provide some personal memories of their mom. Graciously they did, and in so doing they painted a picture.

She and her husband were blessed with five children—a challenge and a blessing. As they sent the comments to the sister and then to me, it became painfully apparent that life had been financially hard. Their mother had worked at a local manufacturing plant but was constantly being laid off. When she was, she worked as a cook at one of the local restaurants. It finally reached the point where the inconsistency of the one job made the other more attractive and she began working all the time at the restaurant.

She appreciated the consistency of the restaurant job, but it made for an even tighter budget at home. I was moved by the comments of each one of her children. They were so appreciative for a Momma that did everything possible to provide for them. They spoke of gratitude for a roof over their heads, food for their stomach, and heat in the winter. One spoke of the fact that regardless of the fact that Momma and the family were broke, somehow, someway, she made sure there were presents at Christmas and on their birthdays. That meant a lot to me.

At the service I rhetorically asked, “What does success mean?” It was one of those questions that I didn’t expect an answer…but I got one. Quietly, one of her sons said, “Being comfortably full.” When he said that it moved me…it still moves me. In a world where it seems everyone one has so much, in this family’s world abundance was a roof, some heat, food for their stomach and on a real good day, being comfortably full.

After hearing from her son, I went on to say that to me success is owning the things that money can’t buy…the things that don’t come from Walmart or some other store. Success is five kids who at their Momma’s funeral talk about the sacrifices she made, the hard work she did to make sure they had a roof over their head, some heat, and food in their stomachs. I then read a story paragraph that someone wrote about success. It said, “What is success? Success is living well, laughing often, and loving much. Success is gaining the respect of those who know us best; finding and living our purpose and leaving our world better than we found it.” I finished that service in deep appreciation of a 72-year-old mother who did that and so much more. She gave her five kids a home.

I’ve written several times that money was pretty thin when we were growing up, but I am sure we had more than this family and these kids. I’ve written before how much I appreciated the fact that Momma and Daddy always made Christmas and birthdays happen. It may have been courtesy of the local finance company, but it happened. Now I am reminded that there were and are plenty of people where even that would not have been an option but somehow—they make it happen.

So, I’m just writing to say thank-you to someone I never knew—but felt I did. I want to say thank-you to five grown up now kids who taught me to appreciate even more deeply what my Momma and Daddy did. They too made it happen whether it was a roof over our heads, or fuel oil in our kerosene tank or food on the table. Let me encourage you to take the opportunity to thank the ones who made it happen in your life—whether it was years ago or yesterday. Maybe take the time to whisper a prayer of gratitude for those in your family—or maybe even outside your family—that made it happen.

Maybe, just maybe, you can be one that helps make it happen. Maybe you know someone who could use a little help. Maybe God has given you a little more so you can share with those who have a little less. Proverbs 19:17 says, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and He will repay you!” I like that. When we share, we are being the hands and feet of Jesus and that is always a good thing. You may be the one that your Dearest Daddy uses to whisper in someone else’s ear—someone who is struggling to make it happen. And what is whispering? “I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, gratitude, Integrity, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, sovereignty of God, thankful, wisdom

Writing Every Day

Posted on June 2, 2022June 1, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. Numbers 90:12

One time I took my recorder to my grandparent’s house in Gainesville, Florida. My grandfather (there was no “Papa” with him) was talking with my Daddy and was even telling a joke. I decided to start the recorder and record what they were saying. Sure enough it worked and later, I played the tape for everyone, and we all marveled at the ability for something so small to do that. But here is the amazing part. Somewhere in my stuff, is a small reel of tape and on that tape is my grandfather and my Daddy’s voices…probably one of the few recordings to exist. Even though they are gone…their voices live on.

Legacy. It is a great word, and we are all leaving one. The only question is, “What kind will it be?” That is up to us. Five days a week I write a story but in reality…I write one everyday…and so do you. Let’s be sure to write one worth telling. Fortunately, there is a publisher who is all about helping us and if we are Jesus followers, we call Him Dearest Daddy. He is more than willing to help us write a best seller…after all, that’s just one more thing He does. He’s got that too. Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, priorities, Scripture, Southern born

Poached Eggs. Really?

Posted on February 18, 2022February 17, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16

Poached eggs. For some reason they have never made it on my list of favorite things. It could be the name. When something is poached it usually means it was taken by some illegal means. Well, now that I think of it…maybe the name does fit. To me, unless it was Easter or Momma was making egg salad sandwiches, eggs were cooked in grease not water. I can vaguely remember something about my mom cracking an egg and dropping it into some water…no wait, maybe that was teabags. At any rate, the thought of eating an egg that had just been floated around in some water like a jelly fish never, ever, crossed my mind. Grease and eggs…eggs and grease…a match made in heaven.

However, interestingly enough, not everyone is like me. One of my best buds actually likes poached eggs. Of course, you must take in consideration that he also likes sugar on his grits. But anyway, you read it right–he really likes them. So, we were having this discussion about how to cook eggs (don’t all guys have those discussions?) and his passion for poached eggs boiled to the top–no pun intended. So how did he become such a fan of poached eggs? Well, here’s the deal.

It turns out that his grandmother was a really big fan of poached eggs. Anytime he (or another family member) went to her house, it was time for poached eggs. Over and over again, “Hey, you want me to cook you a poached egg?” That standard answer was, “No Grandma, that’s ok.” Apparently, she was insistent because the standard answer was, “Sure you do, let me whip one up for you.” And, before long, a nice, wiggly kinda cooked egg was sitting before him. Well, before long he was sorta, kinda brain washed and before long he was hooked. Now that I think about it, I wonder if he had an aunt that liked sugar on her grits? Hmmm.

So, the long and short of it is, all these years later–he still likes poached eggs. Truth is, if it wasn’t for Grandma’s passion, he wouldn’t be such a fan–but her passion became one of his. That really says a lot about influence and legacy. You see, we are all influencers…whether it is food, habits, or speech. I know Judy and I, being from the South, don’t press buttons…we mash them. Wonder where that came from? We don’t give people a ride to the store, we “carry” them. Oh, and no I don’t eat sugar on my grits…and apparently neither did my relatives.

You know that passion thing is true about eggs, but it is also true about God. It seems that things that we are passionate about are the things that end up in the lives of those around us…especially those closest to us. The bottom line is what we are passionate about is contagious. The more passionate we are about God the more likely it will be caught by someone else. It might be our kids, grandkids, or the guy next door but our faith should be highly contagious. Someone once said, “our faith is more easily caught than taught.” There is so much truth in that.

The truth is, I don’t know how you like your eggs–but it just might be similar to the way your momma or daddy liked them. Let’s be so passionate about God and our faith that someone can’t be around us without being infected–uh, make that affected! Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” In other words, make sure that what we do and how we do it, reflects favorably on you…but most importantly, on God. I’m sure God is not a fan of poached eggs, but I do know He is a fan of yours. Don’t worry, He’s got this…poached or not. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, Scripture, thankful, Trials

Unwanted Legacy

Posted on January 26, 2022January 25, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

1 Corinthians 15:33

It was an unwanted legacy. My wife Judy and I have three adult daughters. It is a standing joke in our house that anything that is bad or negative (weight, cholesterol, heart issues, blood pressure, etc) always come from me…the dad. The good stuff invariably is attributed to the mom. Now there can be no doubt that our daughters get their good looks from her, but I think there might be a little prejudice about this other stuff. I am sure it all can’t possibly come from me. Or can it? You see, sometimes I think that I might, accidentally, unintentionally pass on an unwanted legacy. Let me give you an example.

So back in August of last year I went dancing with my worse girlfriend, Corena. In case you don’t know that was my nickname for the COVID virus. Yes, I had been vaccinated but regardless she asked if I wanted to dance and apparently, I said yes. It wasn’t fun. As COVID cases go, might wasn’t too bad but it was enough to make me glad when the dance was over. Fortunately, as far as I know, no one, including my wife, came down with it. After a week or so, it was all over and in the rearview mirror. No harm, no foul just a bump in the road of life.

Well, late this past fall I started feeling crummy again. I checked in with my doctor and friend and he quickly diagnosed me with the flu—let’s nickname that “Flo”. Now this wasn’t the stomach flu…this was the real deal. I’m not sure if it was Type A or Type B but I do know it was the kind that made you want to die. It, like Corena, lasted long enough for me not to want to have it again and I was glad when she waltzed out of the room.

Well, it all started on a Friday evening. I developed a cough and just started crashing. Unfortunately, three of my grandsons were spending the night and not knowing what the deal was…they just cuddled up with “Papa.” As the night went on it was apparent that I had something, but we just didn’t know what. The next day they all loaded up and went home and I went to bed. At the time I didn’t know what I had but I hated that I might have infected them. My diagnosis didn’t arrive until Sunday and the bad news came on Monday.

Yup…my daughter called and two of the three had an unexpected, unwanted legacy. It wasn’t high blood pressure, or cholesterol, or hair loss…it was the flu. Fortunately, there weren’t any complications, but they sure felt lousy for several days. I can remember Judy talking on her phone to our daughter with the speaker on and I could hear one of coughing and it just broke my heart. Unexpected, unintentional, or not…I had infected, impacted them. It was an unexpected, unwanted legacy.

Well, all that thankfully is in the rearview mirror but the whole deal left me with an important lesson. Whether it is a health deal or some other sort of deal, we need to understand and realize that we are all impacting those around us. And, often, it is the ones closest to us…the ones we love the most. Of course, there are plenty of good legacies and for those we can and should be grateful and proud. But there are others…actions and words that scar or habits that hurt…that we need to arrest so we can avoid passing them down and around. Perhaps it would be a good idea to take our “legacy temperature” frequently. Perhaps we should ask and honestly answer the question, “Is there something that might be a story, a memory, a habit that might be an unwanted legacy?” If there is, we should take action to stop it or change it. The good news is- rarely is it too late to stop before there is an unwanted impact or infection.

It’s probably not the best verse for this story but it sure rings true. Paul, the one who wrote a bunch of the New Testament Bible said, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Usually, bad company is intentional, and unexpected and unwanted legacies are not…but the outcome can be same. So, starting today, ask the hard questions and make sure what you are leaving behind is not only worth sharing but a story that would make others smile. Need a little help? I know just the one…my Dearest Daddy. He is always there, always willing to help. He’s got this too. Bro. Dewayne

Family, Grace, gratitude, Integrity, life, loving others, priorities, Scripture, thankful

The Estate Sale

Posted on November 5, 2021 by Dewayne Taylor

If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-13

It appeared in my next-door neighbor’s yard. It wasn’t unexpected…in fact it was quite the opposite. My wife Judy and I have lived here at 217 for just over 21 years. In our immediate area we are the “old-timers” in the neighborhood. When we moved in we were surrounded with older—significantly older—neighbors. We enjoyed each one but slowly over time, time took its toll and they passed away. Well, the neighborhood has changed some over the years and more change is coming.

The neighbor who owned the house next door to us is now gone too and they are doing what families often have to do and that is cleaning out the house and preparing it to be sold. They lived in this house forever—decades and decades. And as is always the case, they accumulated a lot of stuff. Having visited in their home several times, they had gathered many beautiful treasures along their journey. Beautiful antiques of all sorts were scattered throughout the home. Some will be saved by family members, and some will be sold at an upcoming estate sale.

If you have ever lived in a house for a long time, you know how easy it is to accumulate stuff. I know Judy and I often look around our home and marvel at the stuff we have—and need to clear out. If we don’t, well, someday someone will. Well, a truck came the other day and dropped off a monster dumpster at our neighbor’s house. A day later came a crew of several men and women with one mission: to clear the clutter. Their job was to begin going through the house and discarding the stuff that no one in their right mind would want. It was a daunting task to say the least. In a matter of hours that monstrous dumpster was filled and overflowing and there is more, much more, to go.

When it comes time for the sale, I want to go over and see if there is a small treasure that I can purchase to remember our neighbors by. They were good folks. I remember one time when I had just moved in, I was mowing my grass and my new neighbor, and I were chatting and I mentioned that it was the second time in a week I had to mow the grass. He said, in all seriousness but not a drop of meanness, “Dewayne, you don’t have grass—you have weeds.” I still smile today when I think of that exchange.

So, let me ask you a question. What treasures and what clutter do we have in our lives. Now, I’m not talking about our homes…I am talking about our everyday, journey through life, lives. I know in my life there are things that I treasure—my faith, my family with all its crazy ups and downs, my character and reputation, my precious memories—well, you get the point. Just like you, I have so many things that fill my life with joy and purpose. They may not bring much at an estate sale, but they were extremely valuable to me.

But honestly, there is a lot of clutter too. Often, they are part of the bumps and bruises that naturally occur in life. There’s a broken heart here, a scarred memory there and too many unkind words—both spoken by me and received by me. There are missed opportunities and unwise decisions and well, once again, you get the idea. These all are things that need to go in a dumpster—not later in preparation for our “estate sale” but now. You see, the more emotional and hurtful clutter we clear discard now the more room there will be for the treasures that matter.

One day Paul, the guy that wrote a chunk of the New Testament was talking about treasures and clutter. He wrote that each life would consist of treasures—gold, silver and precious stones and clutter—wood, hay and stubble. Then he said that only the treasures will last. I’m gonna go one step further and say that only the treasures should last. The rest, the clutter, need to go into the dumpster—today. In the movie, Frozen, the song encouraged us to, “let it go.” Well, I think today would be a good day, to let the clutter go and begin now to make more room for the things that matter the treasures.

Our lives go by so quickly, let’s not waste a minute. Let’s be wise enough to make the most of every day so that when the estate sale of our life is held, we will need only a very small dumpster to hold the regrets. Need a little help sorting through it all? Well, I am sure that God would love to help you with that…after all, He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials, wisdom

Sunrise and Sunset

Posted on July 14, 2021July 13, 2021 by Dewayne Taylor

It will soon be time for me to leave this life. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the work I was to do. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:6-7

It was a warm North Florida Sunday morning that would change everything. I was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and was fortunate to live in one place and one house all of my growing up years. Our house was a converted World War II army barracks with a couple of rooms added on. I’m not sure who moved it there, or who added what, but it was home…my home. I lived there till I graduated from high school and joined the Air Force. My Daddy had some heart issues while I was still in high school and unfortunately, they went from bad to worse. This was before all the miraculous medicines and surgeries that we have now. So, times were hard for him…and us.

In the summer of 1974, somehow it came about that we, the family, would get together and paint the house. It was a wooden structure, and time and weather had taken a toll on the outside. The old wood siding looked pretty rough, and as I remember it, Daddy said he wanted to have the house painted before he died. Now that is my memory, and it may not be entirely accurate but something like that is how we ended up painting the house in mid-July. Several, if not all, the brothers were on hand as we scraped and painted the house. I don’t know if my sisters were painters or not, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were.

As darkness crept up on us on Saturday, July 13th, the house was just about painted. We worked until nearly dark and finally, it was done. It looked amazingly better and Daddy and the rest of us were proud of our hard work. Daddy did little, if any, of the painting because of his health. But there was something he did do. Several of the wooden windows needed the panes reglazed, so he was working on those. We had a wash-room built onto the house and he was working on that window when darkness fell Saturday evening.

The next morning, Sunday, July 14th, Momma when in to check on Daddy in the bedroom they shared. That was when she found that sometime early in the morning, he slipped from us. I clearly remember the chaos of those moments as we called the ambulance and tried to perform CPR, but it was too late. Daddy was gone. All of a sudden, those last days of working and painting together became so important, so special. We had pulled together and given Daddy one of his desires. It is almost like he was waiting for the job to be done so he could go home.

Later that day, as we were trying to figure everything out, someone found that window he had been working on the night before. It was laying on two sawhorses with a rag and his tools still in place. As it turned out, it was the last work he did on this earth. Someone snapped a picture but as far as I know it has been lost to time, but in my mind I can see it as clearly as if I was standing there. Daddy’s work on this earth was over and yet he lives on. He lives on in heaven and he lives on in our hearts. The freshly painted old World War II barracks was a reminder of our love and respect for the man we called Daddy.

All of that was 47 years ago today. It is hard to imagine that so much time has passed since he passed from this world into a better world…a world where bad hearts have no place and where time doesn’t matter. One day, because of God’s good grace, I will see my Daddy again. My Momma joined him in heaven just four short years later…both were just 62 years old. But when I get there, when we get there, all that won’t matter because God is going to make it all right…all new.

I supposed the whole purpose of this Grits is just to allow me to relive a good memory of a good man. I suppose it is just to help me make sure that his memory lives on here, as he lives on there. And I suppose the big truth for this Grits is that we should live each day to the fullest and do whatever it is we should do. It might be painting a house, or glazing a window, or it just might be showing someone that you love them. We don’t know what day will be our last day, so we should live each one to the fullest. Then, we can say something like Paul said when he wrote, “It will soon be time for me to leave this life. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the work I was to do. I have kept the faith.” And my friend, that is a legacy worth leaving.

Losing my daddy at twenty years old was hard, very hard. Then mama was gone, just four short years later, which left me feeling they were both gone too soon. For some of you, that hardness is yet to come. But from the voice of experience, let me say, you don’t have to walk it alone. When you are drowning in the sea of sorrow and confusion, He will not leave you to bear it alone. He wants to walk with you, carry you, and whisper as only He can, “I’ve got this.” And He does. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials, wisdom

Lasting Words

Posted on June 30, 2021June 29, 2021 by Dewayne Taylor

Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. Numbers 90:12

It wouldn’t cut soft butter today but back then it was cutting edge. I’m a tech guy. I loved the newest and greatest technology. When a new something comes out, if I’m not careful, I am on my way to grab one. Of course, the funny part is it usually ends up sitting around somewhere. Even my newest iPhone is mad because of the hours it sits on the counter—unloved and unattended. Frequently I have to apologize for not returning a call or not answering a text…not because I’m ignoring a person—I’m ignoring my phone.

One time I took my recorder to my grandparent’s house in Gainesville, Florida. My grandfather (there was no “Papa” with him) was talking with my Daddy and was even telling a joke. I decided to start the recorder and record what they were saying. Sure enough it worked and later, I played the tape for everyone, and we all marveled at the ability for something so small to do that. But here is the amazing part. Somewhere in my stuff, is a small reel of tape and on that tape is my grandfather and my Daddy’s voices…probably one of the few recordings to exist. Even though they are gone…their voices live on.

Their.Voices.Live.On. Think about that for just a moment. Both of these men who influenced me so much have long since passed away. But through technology their voices can still be heard. Oh, I know it is not a big deal now, but back then…it was so unusual and that makes the recording valuable. They are, if you will, speaking from the grave.

There is a verse I keep coming back to time and again. Moses wrote it thousands of years ago and yet it is as fresh as today’s news. He asked God to help him number his days that he could gain a wise heart. He wasn’t asking for his math to be accurate when he counted birthdays. No, he was asking that he be wise enough to make the most, the very most, of every single day.