Big Daddy Weave

I feel overwhelmed lately with appreciation for my folks. Mom and Dad are approaching their 39 year anniversary this September! I would normally talk about my Dad's life on the road since his early 20's…but…I'm becoming aware each day that it was a team effort! While growing up, I lived in: Kentucky, 2 different areas of Georgia, 2 different areas of Tennessee, and Illinois! Wherever God said, "go"…we went! Each move was to a new home church that allowed Dad to travel in and out of the U.S. as an evangelist. Sometimes there was some support from the church…but mostly we grew up on love offerings! Let me break that down for you…

A "love offering" usually happened at the end of an event (concert, revival, etc.). Most places couldn't guarantee Dad anything out of church budget, so they would pass the plate throughout the congregation…and that's what Dad would come home with. Now, I could always tell a good love offering based on where we went on Sunday afternoon for lunch. "Family Feast" at Captain D's…good love offering! Mac n Cheese and leftovers…well, you know. There were numerous occasions where Dad would actually lose money to be at a little church out in the sticks…but God ALWAYS made up for it later!

Many people close to my parents didn't understand or agree with this way of life. I personally remember one specific Church in Tennessee offering Dad a full time position as worship leader/music director for a VERY NICE salary! It just didn't make sense to most that Mom and Dad would decide to turn down such an offer and continue to live on love offerings! I'm sure it would have been a great church; but after much praying, they knew it was NOT God's will!

No matter how scary or tight things looked at times, Mom and Dad were always obedient to God's plan. They always worked as a team…almost like God planned it that way! Things keep happening to them that most would say is good luck…I, however, know it is God's blessing! Even this year they were invited to take a cruise to Hawaii! A trip like that wasn't from years of saving. My parents are more interested in giving than saving! Ask my Dad and Mom if they have regrets about turning down that church in Tennessee! There's record of how many decisions were made "out on the road" all these years. A guaranteed hefty salary is no match for those lives that have been changed forever!

My wife and I have been married for 10 years. I hope we approach our 39th anniversary as "madly in love" as my folks are!