By: Dr. Jacquelyn Simmons
Scripture: Lord thou has been our dwelling place in all generations…For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night…The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away…So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and establish thou the work of our hands… (selected passages from Psalm 90 KJV)
Dear our Triune God, this child of Yours is endeavoring to “Thank You” for blessing me to celebrate, along with family and friends, many years of existence in Your created world.
My mother, the beloved wife of “my daddy”, endured the indescribable pains of birthing me as conducted by You and a midwife, affectionately called “Mama Mitchell” on a hot summer day in late August.
You knew before placing me “snuggly” in my mother’s womb and my daddy’s loins, You had predestined me to become a minister of Your Gospel during the times in which women were not welcome, accepted or permitted in Your Baptist Church pulpits. During these present times many females, who are called into Your ministries, are still suffering the gross indignities of non-acceptance in Your pulpits and churches, except to perform janitress duties. However, in 1978, You commissioned my pastor, the late Rev. F. D. Nash, and several other pastors to license and ordain me. What a sensation it made throughout Your entire world! Today I am highly accepted by my pastor, Rev. Eddie Stewart Sr., my Triumph Baptist Church family, friends and others, but yet…
In our text for this message, Moses is pleading, to no avail, for God to forgive and grant His aging children another opportunity to conquer the Promised Land. Even though he is aware of the qualities of life given to His created people, He reminded Him the of shortness of their life span, threescore and 10 years (70 years) and if by reason of strength fourscore years (80 years).
Today, some of us try to measure our length of days by comparing them to Moses’ measurements, but this writer knows that only You determine the length of days for Your children.
Thank You! My Triune God, Parents, Family, Pastor, Church Family, Caregivers and Mama Mitchell for my latest Blessed Birthday Celebration!! Love You Much!!!
Jacquelyn Simmons
