serving – Grits with Grace

communication, Integrity, life, loving others, Scripture, thankful

God’s VIP!

Posted on July 17, 2025July 14, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.”1 Corinthians 12:18-22

It was in March 1981, President Ronald Reagan, one of the greatest presidents of our modern era, was shot as he was walking toward the presidential limousine. It was a very difficult time for our country. At first, they didn’t think the President had even been hit but that quickly changed. In fact, the wound was life threatening. President Reagan spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from the injuries he sustained in the shooting. Gratefully he made a full recovery. Now think about this. Because of the safe guards put into place, the government was able to continue functioning. And although he was the nation’s chief executive, his hospitalization had very little impact on the daily lives of Americans.

Now think about this. Not too long after that tragic event, the garbage collectors in a major city went on a three-week strike. The result was a mess and in fact resulted in a major health hazard for the citizens–bringing the city to a near halt. While most people were grateful when the president was released from the hospital, the entire city celebrated the end of the strike by the garbage collectors.

I find that so interesting. We had weeks without the President and also weeks without garbage collectors. The absence of the president actually had very little impact on that major city. However the absence of the garbage collectors in that city clearly caused more harm. The point is sometimes the absence of those in lessor positions have more impact than the absence of the main leader. This is true in most organizations…a company or a university can function without its CEO or chancellor but neither can function without its staff and workers.

Now what about the church, our church, your church? While a church can and does function without a pastor, it cannot function without the every Sunday, in the trenches, volunteers. In other words, the seemingly insignificant members are often the ones are that are most urgently needed. If you don’t believe me, imagine how your church would function without nursery workers, teachers, greeters, ushers and other volunteers.

Churches needs people who will volunteer for the everyday, seemingly insignificant jobs. We need to remember that these jobs are not insignificant at all. In fact–they are vital for the church and its kingdom work. Looking back on forty-two years of pastoring, I realize we should and could have done a much better job recognizing these incredibly important people. And let me say this. If you are one of those volunteers serving quietly in the trenches, please don’t ever feel like you aren’t needed–because you are. No matter what role you play, you have a crucial part in the Kingdom of God. Your skills and talents are needed.

I have to admit it is different every time I show up at church these days. When I was the pastor people wanted to know where I was. If I wasn’t there they wanted to know why. Now, as an ordinary member, well that has changed. But one thing hasn’t changed. In the eyes of our Dearest Daddy, we all matter, me, you and the person sitting next to you. When you are feeling under appreciated, just remember that the one who matters the most loves you the most. And no matter what–He’s got you! Bro. Dewayne

fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, Trials

Lost and Found

Posted on September 12, 2024September 7, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

They were as lost as a gaggle of geese. The other day we had a large gathering of people from several states. While they were diverse…they had one big thing in common—they all had a heart for children and families. Each person there represented a different ministry that ministered to families and children. It was an annual meeting held in a different state each year. This year it was Illinois’ time to host the meeting. A friend was kind enough to allow them to use her large Airbnb located out in the country—way out in Shawnee Forest country.

Our church was serving the meal, and I was speaking. When it came time for me to head out to “the farm” I had to choose which way I wanted to go. There was the regular route and the road less traveled. I was at the point of decision when at the very last minute I changed my mind and chose the road less traveled. I was taking my time since I had a little time to kill. Before long I was out in the country and on the road less traveled. Driving at a blazing 35 miles an hour, I saw a van coming toward me…followed by another vehicle. It was then I noticed it.

It was an arm sticking out the window and flagging me down. I thought maybe there was a deer in the road ahead but not at all. As we came side by side, he asked a question, “Do you know where Nan’s farm is?” These folks were hopelessly lost and had apparently been so for a while. I assured them I did (especially since that was where I was going) and told him to follow me. I gave them time to turn around and before long we were at the farm—safe and sound.

As it turned out, these folks had been calling the already arrived group trying to get directions to the farm. The problem was exasperated by the fact they had no clue where they were. As we pulled into the driveway, they were sending someone to find them. The good news is they found me first. That makes this story have a “happy ever after” ending. They got where they were going—in time for supper—and I got to be the hero—leading them to their destination.

Probably the only reason this story earned a Grits story is one simple fact. Back in Harrisburg, I made a last-minute decision to go “the road less traveled. Had I gone the way I always went…well, they might still be lost today. Smile. One simple decision changed everything, and do you know what? I don’t think it was an accident. I believe the timing and the route I took was one of those God things that people talk about. I don’t believe it was a coincidence or an accident—I believe it was just one more example of our Dearest Daddy looking out for His kids. I believe He does that—a lot.

Whether you are the one led to change lanes at the last minute or the one hopelessly lost, you need to know that your Dearest Daddy is watching out for you. You see, with Him watching, you are never as lost as you think you are. After all—He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel

Looking for Grits

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I went and searched, and we were out. You all know that food and I go way back. One of my favorite rooms in my house isn’t the biggest—not by a long shot. In fact, it is one of the smallest. It is so small, when they built that part of our house shortly after World War II, they had to custom make a little door for the little room. I find myself using that door a lot. And where does that door lead? It leads into our pantry.

Not every house even has a pantry but ours does. It is where we keep all our food stuff. Of course, the cold stuff goes into the refrigerator, the frozen stuff goes in the freezer, and just about everything else goes in the pantry. So, when you need something that has to do with food…it is the “go to” place. There are cans and boxes and bags and containers that all share one thing in common—they all contain food. When Judy is cooking, she will often go there to get what she needs. Most times she will find it sitting right there on the shelf but sometimes it is empty, sometimes we have used the last of the last and then it is time to go to the store.

Well, I think it is time for my wife (and graphic designer) and me to go the store and get some more Grits. As you know, our stories are taken from everyday life and after three and a half years, the shelf is getting just a little bare. So, we are going to take a little break and go to the store. For the next couple of weeks, we are going to be “out of pocket” on a mission trip and a week of vacation. We are certain between those two we can surely come back with a fresh supply of adventures and stories. So, what does that mean?

After today, if you want to find Grits, you will need to visit our Facebook page and scroll back and pick a story to read. Even better, you can visit our website, http://www.gritswithgrace.com and you can either scroll or search by topic or even scripture. Virtually every story we have written and used or reused over the last three years is there. I hope you will make that your Grits pantry for the next couple of weeks.

If you are into praying, you might ask our Father to help these two weeks to be profitable and peaceful—filled with service and purpose. As you look for Grits each morning, take a moment, and ask God to guide our steps. We are hoping it will be a time when we can recharge our batteries and come back with a bag full of Grits’ ideas. Jesus told His disciples that when they grew a little weary, they should come to Him and He would give them rest. As we go, we are looking forward to spending some time together and with Him. But don’t forget the big thing we have learned over these months and years that no matter what, we know for certain that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, Integrity, life, loving others, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

Get a Job

Posted on January 18, 2023January 17, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15

It was time to go to work. It may sound out of date…and maybe it is but I was counting the days till I turned 15. Not because I was eligible for a learner’s permit, not because I was on the edge of moving on to high school but because, wait for it, I could get a work permit. You see in Florida when you turned 15 you could get your social security number and get a work permit and…work. I was ready and I had an in.

Sue Lovell was a neighbor who lived catty-corner from us at 6008 Carlton Road. She lived in one of the nicer homes in the sub-division that had surrounded us, and we lived in our “used to be” army barracks. I can remember Sue well. She was a little different but at the same time very kind. Well, she worked at this small restaurant called the Village Oven and she offered to try and get me a job if I wanted. Well, I wanted and next thing I knew I was hired.

My job was not working on a computer or running a business and making life changing decisions. No, I started by serving people…sorta. Looking back, it probably was a little challenging especially for someone just getting their feet wet in the working world. First, I was the busboy which meant it was my responsibility to clear all the tables. As soon as someone left, I rushed out and cleaned the table. Second, I was the dishwasher which meant I scraped the plates and then loaded and ran the commercial dishwasher that was tucked out front under the counter. Of course, I also unloaded the dishwasher and made sure there was a constant supply of plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware. But wait there is more.

I was also head of the cleaning crew—which consisted of—me. After our customers left, I was to mop the restaurant floor and clean the bathrooms. Looking back, it seems that besides the cooking and waiting, I had my hands in just about everything. There was always plenty to do…time passed quickly, and it taught me responsibility. I was beginning to get the feel of helping and serving others. The best part of the job, of course, was getting paid. My hours varied from a few to a lot, and I made a whopping, jaw dropping seventy-five cents an hour. Since this was about 1969, I suppose that was a fair wage and that seventy-five cents went a long way.

I can remember my largest paycheck was around $23. It must have been during the summer, and I worked somewhere over 30 hours. I always felt a little rich when I got my check, but that week—I felt more than pretty rich—I felt like Mr. Rockefeller. There is a certain pride in a job done well and getting paid “certificates of appreciation” as Rabbi Daniel Lapin calls them. Most of us call them dollars and they did make me feel appreciated. I can’t remember exactly how long I worked at the Village Oven but I worked long enough to appreciate the value of bringing home a paycheck. I worked long enough to spread my wings a little and fly the friendly skies of growing up.

I’m grateful to Sue Lovell for helping me get the job and I am grateful that my Momma and Daddy drove me the six or seven miles to work and picked me up…sometimes late at night. I know now that often it is the small things that people do that should and do get stuck in our memories. It is also the small things that can make a big difference later on. My first job taught me about serving others, commitment, responsibilities, respect for my bosses, and teamwork at an early age. I can’t measure the entire value of that work experience, but I know I sure learned a lot about how the adult working world operated.

God gave us work even before sin came along. He knew the value of a man, woman or young adult getting their hands dirty. He knew the value of working and making a difference and while it may seem hard at the time, the benefits can last a lifetime. Genesis, the first book in the Bible, says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” The God who made us knows what is best for us. I’ve heard it said that we should bloom where we are planted, and I think that means caring for the garden around us too. If you find yourself a little overwhelmed with this work thing or any other thing, just ask God and He will lend a hand…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

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

This Day

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Dewayne Taylor

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

June 12th is a special day in my life. I graduated from high school on June 8, 1972. I am amazed that 48 years have passed beneath the bridge of my life. Time seems to travel so quickly. As a child it was a gentle stream and now as a mature (that is in years and not necessarily actions) adult it seems a raging torrent. So 48 years ago I was member of the largest graduating in the state of Florida for that year…714 seniors from one high School. Trust me…it was easy to be a small fish in that big pond. By Monday all that was in the rearview mirror.

On Monday, June 12, 1972, I raised my right hand and swore to protect and defend the constitution of the United States and to obey the orders of those appointed in rank above me. I was eighteen, naive, had never been away from home and wondering what in the world I had gotten myself into. If I remember that day correctly we took the oath, had last minute medical exams, and filled out a mountain of paperwork. They took us to Morrison’s Cafeteria for a last meal of sorts and then on to the airport for the flight to Lackland Air Force Base. Intentionally we arrived at about 2:00 am…something they still do today. We were given a couple of hours of sleep before beginning the great journey of becoming airmen.

The privilege of serving my country for the next twelve years marks that day as one of the great days of my life. The training I received there impacted the rest of my life. The skills I received in my advance training and then in my career prepared me for something far greater then I could imagine. Little did I know on June 12, 1972, what God had planned for me. Saddle up your horses boys…this is the great adventure.

After twelve years in the Air Force it became apparent that the winds of change were blowing in my life. I so loved the Air Force—it was my niche, my calling. Starting in 1980 there were these whispers from Abba Father, my dearest daddy, that He wanted to do something more. It was a whisper from Him to jump into the unknown. It was a whisper to trust Him at a level that I had never before experienced. He was calling and it was undeniable.

The details are still vivid in my mind but time doesn’t allow the whole story to be told. On February 14, 1982, I went forward in a morning worship service and told God I would do whatever He wanted. Four short months later I found myself still in the service but in His service pastoring a small church close to our home. Those days were crazy days. Over the course of a few months the deal was sealed. He whispered that He wanted me to give myself completely to Him. He no longer wanted share me with the Air Force. With that, Judy and I, along with our two very young daughters, prepared to jump big.

That leads to our second June 12th. On that date in 1983, on a hot Sunday afternoon, I sat before a large ordaining council and a larger crowd. That day, June 12, 1983, I was ordained, set apart, to serve Him. My fondest memory of that day came after the council had asked all their questions. They had been graceful to me and I was grateful. The chairman of the council told the moderator that he had no more questions. The moderator then asked if anyone else had an questions. I only thought I was done.

An elderly pastor, slowly stood to his feet and said, “Young man, the Bible says that the husband is the head of the home. It also says that a pastor is to rule his house well. Are you going to rule your house well?” And he sat down. If there was ever a time that I needed for God gave me the right words to say it was probably then. With all the intentional fortitude I could muster I said, “Yes sir…if Judy will let me.” The room erupted and I got ordained.

And here I sit thirty-eight years later so grateful for a God who believed in me and hundreds of people who were patient and loved me. I have seen wheelbarrows full of grace from the God of the universe and His people. If you ever wonder why I am grace heavy in my teaching it is because I have needed it so much and I have experienced it so much. I am blessed. Game. Set. Match. The Bible says that this day, this very one, is a day that the Lord has made. We get to choose how we are going to live it and how we will remember it. Well I am so grateful for two days in June, both the 12th. They are markers for this incredible journey called life. How about you? Do you have some special days that God moved, that God spoke, that God just showed off? Let me encourage you to celebrate them…and Him. He is such a good Abba Father to do less is unimaginable. So go ahead, relive the times, relive the days when He showed up, when you rested in Him, when you just knew “He’s got this.” Then you can be the whisperer and softly say, “Thank you, Father.”