A Hallmark holiday worth celebrating
- Debbie Rasure
- Oct 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Have you heard the term “Hallmark holiday”?
It refers to a holiday thought to exist for commercial purposes, rather than to commemorate a significant event. If you think a minute, I bet you could name a few.
Bosses Day
Ground Hog Day
Valentine’s Day
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
And more …
As you decide which of these manufactured “holidays” you’ll observe, may I suggest one to seriously consider?
Pastor Appreciation Day – October 13 – this coming Sunday.
In my faith-life history, four names stand out in lights: Ruth Hayes, Dorothy Underwood, John Paulsen, and Wyatt George.
Why these four people? You guessed it. Because they were my pastors – from childhood to my college years.
I fell in love with Jesus through the ministry of Sister Ruth and Sister Dorothy at Glad Tidings Apostolic Church in West Frankfort, Illinois. These faithful daughters of The King gave me my first Bible when I was just 11-years-old. I remember Sister Ruth calling me down to the front of the sanctuary with the whole congregation watching, and Sister Dorothy handing me a full-size, red letter edition with dictionary and concordance and Holy Bible stamped in gold on the cover. I was happy to receive it, but still unsure what to do with it. To this day, when I need to read a verse from the King James version I still reach for it, and I remember them with love, gratitude, and rejoicing.
John Paulsen, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in West Frankfort and his wife Judy, taught me how to think about my faith and why that’s a good thing. To this day, I remember John saying, “When someone tells you something, ask how they know.” It’s a practice that has served me well over the years, both in my faith walk and in life. I was one of the few high school kids at the church (actually, maybe the only one) but John and Judy never treated me like a junior Christian. I was welcomed and encouraged to attend adult Bible studies and church meetings, and my comments were never ignored. They also welcomed me into their home, fed me (I still remember John slathering mayonnaise on white bread and making a grilled cheese sandwich for me when I arrived hungry). Most of all, they listened and guided me with love and patience. They still hold a special place in my heart.
And then, there’s Wyatt George of Grace Presbyterian Church, Carbondale, Illinois, my pastor during my college years. Wyatt was an intellectual giant of the faith, preaching deep, challenging messages with kindness and humor. He and his wife Betsy had several sons, and somehow, I always felt they looked upon me as the daughter they never had. When I needed a place to live over the summer, they arranged for me to stay with a congregation family associated with the church. When I needed advice about transitioning my wardrobe from college kid to young professional, they told me how to do it. And when I needed a co-signer on my first car (a honey brown, GMC Gremlin), they guaranteed my debt.
My current pastors are also gems. Maybe someday I will write about them, but for now, I will be writing to them because (gentle reminder) Sunday, October 13, is Pastor Appreciation Day. But if you’ve missed it, don’t fret because October is Pastor Appreciation Month. And if you’ve really missed it and are reading this beyond October, again, don’t fret. I know he or she would always welcome a thank you card from you.
For a few more ideas on how you can pray for and encourage those who minister to you and celebrate the impact they make on your life, check out the links below.
Have you been blessed with a special pastor in your life? Tell us about him or her in the comments. I’d love to hear your story!
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