By Dr. Jacquelyn Simmons
This Columnist first met Mr. Thomas when he was employed by the City of Monroe during the tenure of my close relative who was a city employee, also. However, I do not remember seeing him again to know who he was.
GOD being GOD arranged for us to meet two times by one of HIS greatest inventions-GOD’s telephone. One day the telephone rang and to my surprise, the caller identified himself as Perry Thomas (before Id’s were invented). He stated his invitation to me to be the speaker at the Annual Dr. King birthday celebration to be held at the Monroe Civic Center. My inward reaction to this invitation was indescribable. Outwardly, I thought I reacted sensibly but actually almost fainted. He patiently assured me he meant me and had not mistakenly dialed the wrong number.
Afterwards, I hurriedly informed my blessing to my pastor, family and friends after thanking GOD, first. I kept saying over and over “me, LORD? me LORD? Little “bitty” me, LORD!”
And then…afterwards, the next day the phone rang again and to my utter dismay it was Mr. Thomas calling again to inform me that he had made a mistake and he was sorry to have done so. Honestly, I inwardly rejoiced because I was frightened out of my wits, anyway.
I feverously watched the paper to see who was the approved speaker and sure enough, it was a very prominent male pastor who was well known for his objections to female ministers and made a great display at making sure that no female entered the pulpit where he served as pastor.
Well, I adorned my Christian robe and attended the salute to Dr. King’s birthday celebration. My friends, God was evidently concerned about Mr. Thomas’ efforts because during that same timeframe the next year, the phone rang and again, it was Mr. Thomas with the same invitation and the rest is history.
GOD commissioned this child of HIS to become the first female speaker to address HIS people at “The Annual Dr. King’s” birthday celebration, held at the Monroe Civic Center.
Mr. Thomas will be missed in our area. This child of GOD is praying someone will step up to GOD’s plate which HE can only amply fill.
Love Jacquelyn Simmons
