Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: GENEROUS (10/14/21)
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TITLE: The Four G's | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mariane Holbrook
10/21/21 -
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I ran the half-mile as fast as my twelve-year-old legs would take me. Daddy, as head of the elders in our church, took his job both joyfully and seriously. More often than not, we had Sunday dinner guests. I figured I could use the three orange crates stored in our cellar as extra seating. We younger children would use pillows to make them comfortable for our use.
Daddy was Daddy. He had a long history of being generous with not only his possessions but his time and himself.
Known by everyone as "Bub," he stepped up to the plate after his father died suddenly from heart failure. Eleven-year-old Bub announced to his grieving, ill mother that he was quitting sixth grade to get a job and take care of her. His older brothers and sisters had grown up and moved away, so his mother had no choice but to agree.
With only a sixth-grade education under his belt, Bub went to work as a pipe-fitter for the Lehigh Valley Railroad. It was not uncommon in the early 1900's for boys to work at that young age or to leave school. But Bub was a voracious reader whose parents had collected most of the great classics, so Bub's mother continued Bub's education using the variety of books that lined the shelves in their living room. Bibles and commentaries were also in abundance.
Bub's mother died before the start of World War 1, leaving Bub alone and eager to join the U.S. Navy. Stationed on a battleship off the coast of Sicily, Bub sought comfort from his dog-eared Bible that he read faithfully. Soon others on the ship joined him, and Bub found himself conducting Bible studies for his young and frightened companions. Always available, Bub was generous with his time and his counsel. Bub's mother, a godly woman, and Bible teacher had prepared him well for the vagaries of war.
Back home, Bub's fiance scanned the newspapers for any information about Bub. She didn't know until after the war ended where he was or what his duties were. She prayed that the umbrella of God's protection was securely over him and that he would be surrounded by ministering angels standing wing tip to wing tip around him.
After three years of watching his companions die in combat and burying them at sea, the war ended, and Bub came home to his waiting bride-to-be.
Soon they married, and Bub returned to his job at the railroad where he remained for the next forty years. God blessed them with seven children who Bub and his wife (my mother) dedicated to God while the children were still infants. Several times a week, Daddy conducted our family altar.
Growing up, I found that Daddy was never too busy or tired to respond to each child who wanted his attention. All of us insisted that we were Daddy's favorite because he made us feel that way. He was generous with his love for his family and for the vast number of friendships he carefully nurtured for many years.
Every Saturday afternoon, Daddy visited the local hospital. He walked the halls with his well-worn Bible tucked under his arm. From room after room, patients called out to him for prayer. He read comforting Scripture verses for each one, then holding their hands, he prayed for their needs. He led many in a prayer of repentance and prayed for their healing.
Though not ordained, he was often the guest speaker in many churches because of his vast knowledge of the Bible. Asked to pastor the church of his childhood, located in a nearby village, he walked the three miles every Sunday afternoon after attending our church for the morning worship service. Often we walked with him.
When he lay dying of cancer at age 68, a board member at church who had often treated Daddy with disrespect arrived at the hospital. Daddy reached out his bony hand and said, "Ben, I'm so glad to see you! Will you pray for me?" Daddy was generous with his forgiveness.
Watching him, I knew my father was the epitome of the "Four G's"- Godly, Gracious, Generous, and Gentle.
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Non-fiction
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Blessings.
This is such a beautiful illustration of the love your father shared with everyone he met.
You have such of gift of storytelling that gives us a glimpse into your life.
It reminded me of my own father in many ways.
Well done