With Gratitude for my Personal Lampstand
South Main Baptist Church has been a lampstand in my life for almost forty years. Spencer and I started attending here before our children were born, and this congregation has nourished, encouraged, and sometimes comforted us through these many years. We both grew up in families in which church attendance and the life of the church were important. Sometimes, I think, that can cause one to take for granted the blessings of a faith community.
After marriage and a period of life when neither of us were regular participants in any church, Spencer suggested that we give South Main a try, as he had attended here during college as a co-op student working at NASA. From the first time I entered our wondrous sanctuary, I felt at home. We joined after visiting for a couple of Sundays and soon became active members. When our daughters were born, we were happy that we had chosen a place where they would also be spiritually nourished and loved.
With no family in Houston, the friends we made at South Main soon became our local family. You've helped us raise our children, loved and comforted us in times of sorrow, and been shining examples of grace, devotion, and unqualified love for all these years. Our lives are richer and happier because of you, and we've seen Christ's love for us through you.
Linda Gardner serves as a community leader in the Fellowship of Young Families community and is a member of the Compass Class. She and Spencer have two grown daughters and one wonderful grandson.
