Jerry's Greatest Adventure | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Jerry's Greatest Adventure | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tracy Walshaw
05/25/07
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In a moment, I’ll feel as light as air. I always knew this day would come, but so fast...it seems like just yesterday that it all began. It’s amazing, but I still feel eighteen. They say time flies.

I was just lying on my bed, the shades pulled low and the room cool and dark. If only that blasted radio would shut up. She only left it on because she knew we were too lazy to get up and shut it off. That loud-mouthed preacher going on and on about hellfire, damnation and getting about our “father’s business”. I had a “father”; he was into his own business, bootlegging and other entrepreneurial ventures of which couldn’t be spoken of in good company. I didn’t need to be burdened with any other father’s “business”, thank you very much.

Then the Holy Spirit came and visited. Didn’t say much, but left a real impression on me. He had the audacity to put a dream in me, a vision of what God could do with one good ol’ boy out of a small Virginia town. I thought about it, I really did, and I decided ‘what the heck?’. I wasn’t doing much anyway. I remember feeling like I was in for something, and I think I saw the ending before the beginning. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have had the spunk in me to even start the journey.

After meeting that beautiful woman at church, and letting the Holy Spirit tell her how God wanted to use us - I figured she’d believe Him quicker than me - she got on board. Been with me ever since, too. She’s one thing I don’t know if I can leave.

Looking back, even the vision I had was a bit small, but God knew me; He increased my line of sight every time I reached a goal. The Donald Duck Bottling Company was pretty fun to pack ’em in at every week, but the newer church was more comfortable. The school got started and we needed more room for that, so we had to move again. I really never imagined how big a church foyer could be: We call it Main Street and we lined it with all sorts of couches and chairs, like little living rooms all up and down the sides. Come visit! The sanctuary is so big that thousands can enjoy the services. They tell me that we might grow out of this one, too. Well, that’ll be my sons’ problem now. They might have to just seat ’em in the football field, or maybe the ice skating rink, or maybe the...well, like I said, those boys’ will just have to figure something out for themselves.

I’m tired. This was the year of Jubilee, and what a year it’s been. What a life I’ve had. People tell me I’ve done so much with a little courage, a little vision. I say that it was an honor to serve and I’m gonna miss this...I had so many plans still. When the press asked me how much more time I wanted, I would half-joke and say “Fifteen years, with the option to renew...” and I meant it.

I imagined this day my whole life. It’s really peaceful. I have just lied my head on my desk. I am looking at the pictures of those I love, and my eyes go straight to Macel. I thank God the most for her; we had so much fun. I know she’ll take this hard, but I have another vision. I’m welcomed into Paradise today, and the very Lord I served will take my arm in a few minutes and usher me up to meet his father. My Father. About whose business I have been. Before I see all my old friends, though, I’m gonna go find Mama, and I’m gonna thank her for leaving that radio on.

Then I’m gonna take her by the arm, and we’re going to The Gate. We’ll be waiting for the rest of you. See you there. Oh, and have courage...it’s a great adventure!

*Dedicated to Dr. Jerry L. Falwell - Here in Lynchburg we’re mourning him, and we call ourselves proud to have been a part of his prayers each day, to have him out and about in our midst, treating everyone like his kids. We are honored to be a part of your vision, and you will be greatly missed, especially here in your own town.

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