This Minute Message is a brief trip down memory lane.  My dad was not a well known, famous or “stand-out personality – but he was my dad and I love (loved) him very much.

Here’s my little tribute to my Dad for Father’s Day.  (He’s been gone for many years but I still “see” him from time to time.

DAD

JAMES MADISON (MATT) SCROGGINS

I am from a large family: 9 boys and 2 girls.  In the chronology of births, I am third from last.  Twins followed me.  They tell me that I look a lot like my dad.  It is true that I see him in me from time to time.  I’m rather proud of that resemblance.

Memories are unique.  They are the possessions of the holder and ‘tho they may differ from the memories of others they are invaluable to the possessor.

As a child, I remember my father hitch-hiking to work because he had no car.  I remember he always had to take menial jobs because he was not skilled in a trade nor did he have a good education.  I remember he ran a tab at the corner grocery because he never had enough money to outright buy all the groceries he needed.

I remember his gardens and his pride at his ability to grow delicious vegetables and very hot jalapeños.  I remember his chickens (which we all ate) and his  rabbits (which no one would eat!)

I remember his joy when I brought Janet to meet my family.  I remember the love in his eyes and the twinkle of pride his boy could actually catch such a pretty young lady.

I remember his teasing and practical jokes.  I remember his quiet demeanor.  I remember that he actually told me one time, just before a spanking, that it was going to hurt him more than me.  (I never bought that line!)

I remember he loved the Lord.  I remember he loved my mother.  I remember he loved his children and their progeny.  I remember he loved his country.  I remember he loved his friends.  I remember he loved me!

While shopping, I heard a child’s voice cry out.  “Mama!!, Mama, where are you?”  And, in a flash, a woman came rushing around the corner responding in a calm, soothing voice, “It’s OK, Honey.  Mama’s right here – you don’t need to be afraid.”

The incident immediately transported me back in time to the many times I cried out in the night, or in a fearful situation for my Mom.  It wasn’t that my Dad wouldn’t come to my rescue – it was that my Mom would!

My mother was a fearless little lady who would always come to the aid of her children.  I knew my Mom loved me by her readiness to protect me.

The Lord took her many years ago but He has allowed the wonderful memories to remain in my heart.  She was always so proud of her “Preacher boys.”  (I have an older brother who is a retired Foursquare pastor, the first Pentecostal Billy Graham ever hired to work on his staff!)

Here I am – 70 years of age – and I still get teary eyed when I write about my Mother.  I am thankful that she cared enough about my soul to take me to church and to live a Christian life before me.  Unlike many children who rebel against their Christian upbringing I was always grateful for Mom’s firm hand in matters of church and God.

I confess there are times that I still want to cry out, “Mama!”  There are times I still wish for the power of her prayers and the calming assurance of her voice.

Over the years, I have missed my Mom very much.  But, the promise of the resurrection and heaven assures me that I will embrace her again, some day.  Some day, I will again cry out, “Mama!”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you wonderful mothers ….. And to all, who, like me, are remembering their wonderful mother.