Team Five Morris

Prodigal son returns. In my youth I was less than admirable. Most would have considered it well & good not to come into contact with a sarcastic, disrespectful, arrogant punk like myself. When family members or long time friends find out “Who” has happened to me they mostly gasp, pause, wait for the punchline then gush out “you're serious?!” The ensuing conversations are filled with statements like, “I never would have guessed”, or “Wow, I can't believe that.” I don't take offense because I think it gives glory to what God has done and how Jesus can really save and change lives.

As we traveled to the big family reunion and thought of all the cousins, aunts and uncles I could hear there words before I arrived “I never woulda thought!.......etc. Etc.” That was until I saw my cousin Glenda (who is more like an aunt). During my wild days she would always tell me “how it was” and wouldn't give me much slack. While most of my family judged me and told me what I was doing wrong, she would encourage me towards my potential. At this last reunion when I saw her she hugged me and whispered in my ear “ I knew you would come around.” Unconditional acceptance. It was like I had never been a rat-bag kid. Glenda showed me what the prodigal son must have felt like coming home. There was no long speech, no finger in the chest expressing the error of his ways. Open arms, like the arms Jesus has open for all who would come. Her love bore with it truth and grace and the ability to love me with the love of Jesus.