“In the face of darkness, he stood his ground.”

Hey my friends! I hope each of you are doing well!!

This will get posted today, because I did not write what I am sharing. This is from my oldest son, Michael Mead. I have experienced an amazing blessing being the father of, Michael, Mason and Madison.

Michael wrote this, and it blew me away. He has written several notes to me over the years. My response over the years has been, “I can be with God today, everything is good.” Reading this my thought was, “I am ready to go…My wife and kids have been a gift from God.”

Michael would tell you I have not been a perfect father. I would tell you I have not been a perfect husband, father or friend. I would also tell you I have been working on those areas of my life for many years. My key area has been working on my walk with God. When that became first, I was growing in those other areas….An entirely different topic…Back to Michael and his poem!

Please don’t read this with a focus on me. That is not why I share. I would love for those who read to reflect on your own life. What and who matters to you? Are you loving key people in your life well? If so thank God for that and keep focused and working on loving others well.

If you realize that you are not loving others well and realize much of that is a connection to how you don’t really love yourself well, remember and work on the truth that God offers His love and grace. It is not offered when we do certain amount or certain kinds of work so that we earn His love and grace. It is never earned and always availiable. You and I simply need to believe and start working and walking in that truth.

Slowly starting to belive, “You are Loved and of Great Value.”

Written By: Michael Mead, My Son, That I LOVE VERY MUCH!!!

In the morning's gentle glow, he roamed the woods,

Where pine trees whispered secrets, understood.

A man of nature's grace, with each step he'd find,

A sanctuary for the soul, in the quiet of the mind.

Through valleys and shadows, his journey took flight,

With a heart full of love, words lost in the night.

A melody of laughter, a spirit so bright,

Guiding through darkness, into the morning light.

Fatherless in the dust and sun's embrace,

Yet the Taylors' love offered him a place.

In high school halls where insecurities spun,

Their kindness bloomed, a new chapter begun.

From the pages of wisdom, his soul would soar,

A seeker of knowledge, always wanting more.

A counselor, a pastor, for thirty years or more,

Planting seeds of wisdom, on life's fertile shore.

In the halls of faith, his voice rang clear,

A shepherd of souls, banishing fear.

With every word, a seed of truth sown,

Nurturing hearts, a love brightly shone.

In the face of darkness, he stood his ground,

A warrior of love, in battles profound.

Facing the shadows with hope burning bright,

A beacon of courage in the depths of night.

Now, as stars gather to light his way,

He's called to rest at the close of day.

Yet his legacy lives on in hearts so true,

In the love he shared, and the life he knew.

Tired, yet resilient, in the twilight's gentle hush,

He fights the cancer, a courageous, quiet rush.

Ready to go, to join the eternal embrace,

In the arms of Jesus, finding solace and grace.

In the tapestry of time, a life well-spun,

A father, a pastor, a beloved one.

His spirit lingers in the memories we keep,

In the love he sowed, in the tears we weep.