Faith and pain
55My dad use to say "It's easy to be religious with a steak in your mouth." He probably got that lesson from my great grandfather, Abel Gabbard. Back in the 1920s, my great grandpa built a church building with his own hands. Grandpa was going to preach the gospel to the local sheep. Grandpa couldn't get anybody but a few family members to come and they even dwindled down.
It took grandpa a while to figure out that preaching the gospel had nothing to to with building a church. It had nothing to do with gathering on Sunday for a few hours. It had nothing to do with church at all. He realized the the gospel is the water to make a seed that God planted grow. The water is free, or supposed to be but the seed is given by the faith of God.
Why did God let grandpa build a church that would remain empty? There are thousands of churches filled with people but empty of spirit. Millions hear and read the gospel everyday and don't get it. Biblical scholars of old age don't get it. Why don't they get it?
They don't WANT to get it! Jesus said "Sell everything you own, give the money to the poor and follow me." Most preachers would really like to edit that one. The gospel is really pretty simple. It is the kindness in your heart. You can preach the gospel to a selfish heart until hell freezes over and it won't change at all, the seed of God is not there. Many selfish hearts know the bible word for word.
My grandpa had married a full blooded Cherokee woman. It just wasn't religiously correct in those days. The whispers that an "Indian lover" dared to try and start a church buzzed around grandpa like flies. The local so called "Christians" had labeled my grandfather "A crazy man."
His sufferings (by religious self righteous opinion) seemed to confirm their label. He became ill and was bed fast for years. My great grandmother had died. My uncle Charlie was left to care for him. Grandpa needed constant care. Few people came to visit him though he was sick and imprisoned in his house. Uncle Charlie did it all and rarely got any rest.
My dad went to see grandpa one day. Dad was dressed in a suit and told grandpa the he was going to be a preacher. Grandpa spit on dad's sleeve and said "You just shit your nest!" Grandpa then said,"Come closer, I want to show you a spirit." Dad stepped up by his bed and saw my grandfather's face turn into the spirit of pain. Dad screamed and jumped back!
Dad's voice would always tremble when he told me about that day. My great grandfather never got to go out and preach the gospel. He didn't have to. The gospel was in his heart and passed through blessings into his children. His suffering was witness to those supposed Christians who never visited him. They never came to help uncle Charlie. They didn't care.
The spirit of my great grandfather is in every nursing home, every hospital and every person who is imprisoned in their homes. They are lonesome and they are suffering. It isn't glorious in the eyes of man to take them a bowl of fruit and give them a few kind words, however it is the very heart of the gospel.
To sum up the gospel of my great grandfather: Religion wants white robes and glory. God wants aprons and smiles.
Grandpa and Charlie
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dohn...thank you...they were amazing folks.
One thing for sure Tom, Your grandpa would be real proud of his grandson who shared his belief with the world. Great hub as usual.
regards brownlickie
brownlickie...thank you much.
"Religion wants white robes and glory. God wants aprons and smiles."
Tom, that about sums up the difference! You are writing incredible things these days, and I'm honored to be a "fan" and a friend.
Tom, you are among the very few that can make me rethink my attiudes. My Mom is with us and I will take care of her. No one should live their last days alone.
This is a wonderful hub and soars far above all of the religious debate.
Candie....thanks you so much...it means a lot to me coming from you, a wonderful writer, an angel with grit!....big hug!
Pete....Thanks so much...sometimes I write stories of my life and the people I've known...I read them back and I am amazed at the frailties and strengths of human beings. "No one should live their last days alone" Says it all. Pete....you gave me a smile....thanks.
"God wants aprons and smiles".
I love this and the picture tells a story all it's own...
@ Pete...'This is a wonderful hub and soars far above all of the religious debate'
One of my favorite sayings is: " You can SAY anything you want, but it's what you DO that counts"...
And I am learning about how it is to become dependant on other's through caring for my mom these last 3 yrs...She has a wonderful spirit and is a wonderful spirit for me to see and listen to. "I am mad as Hell, and not gonna take this anymore"...
Thanks for such a rewarding hub...:O) Hugs G-Ma
G-Ma....thanks so much....My mom passed away three weeks ago. My sister, Betty, her husband Monty and their Daughters took care of mom for years. Mom had Alzheimer's. At the funeral, Betty spoke of how mom enhanced their lives and made them all better people. Everything she said about mom was wonderful. Mom didn't know any of us but the joy for life remained in her heart. Her name was Violet....to me...a flower...so beautiful. Hugs to you and your mom. :)
Well Tom, this is another fine family story from you. I take it the picture is of Grandpa and Uncle Charlie. Kindness exudes from it and and the look of hardship too. So glad they understood the truth and I'm sure he is in a kinder place with Charlie at his side. Peace my friend and Vaya con dios.
ralwus....thanks Charlie...I am sure they are too. :)
Religious and self righteous are words that so often go hand in hand and people who are both always want to share their opinions of you with you, the only people who didn’t welcome me into the family were the religious members of the family isn’t it always the way.
I so loved this hub and its message we lift God up in our lives when we reach out to the lonely and sick with love and kindness
maggs....thank you so much...the kindness in people is the treasure of life. I see it in you and others here...it makes me feel good...it gives me hope. Thanks again...tossing a big hug across the pond! :)
Very touching, thank you for sharing.
jiberish...you're welcome...thank you much! :)
Tom, as always, wonderful visit to your hub. I love your family stories, I know that I say this to you all the time, but your memories are so very precious to read, reflect and enjoy. Keep them coming, Tom.
AIDY...Thanks so much...I was always the weird kid who hung out with the old folks while the others played tag. I loved the stories and listened from beginning to end. Now, I love writing about them. Thanks again! :)
Tom, this hub says so much about you. You must be a very caring and genuine person. I regret that I may never have the opportunity to meet you, except of course here on hubpages.
Thanks for at great thought provoking hub.
alekhouse...we will meet someday...eternity will find the time. thanks! :)
Gifted Grandma.....thank you much! :)
Tom, my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother.
And my sincere thanks for this story of your great-grandpa and Uncle Charlie. It makes me realize (once again) how we are, indeed, all sinners for the things we leave unsaid and undone in this world.
Time to put on that apron.
MindField....thanks so much....the most wonderful people in the world care for other people....with a smile in their heart. Thanks again.
wow that was an amazing story
What a wonderfully told true story! Actually, Gandhi trained to be a Methodist minister but left England because of the hypocrisy and racism with the words, "Your Christ I love; you Christians I hate." Gandhi walked away from what was not working and started walking with God to reveal his destiny.
Too often we allow the mean-spirited in life to slow us down, get us off course or cause us to lose heart. I just look at the obstruction as a call to reassess where I am and maybe it's time to take a detour to get to where I'm supposed to be.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your mother too. It is true what your sister said that caring for another who is vulnerable always enhances your life and causes you to grow as an even better person.
Great hub, thanks for writing the family story!
whispers of faith...thank you so much. :)
Denny....Yes...Gandhi...a wonderful heart! The paths to God are paved with kindness......religion is mostly obstacles in the way. Thank you for the kind comment. :)
Amazing Tom. Thank you sharing this good hub
Lgali...thanks...this is one of my favorites. :)
Thanks for these true words. You won't mind if I use this quote occasionally in life..."God wants aprons and smiles"? It is most eloquent. I believe this with all my heart. And you get right to the "heart" of the matter with your words. You are truly a blessing! :D
K@ri....thanks so much....you can use it all you wish. :)
Tom
The old man might be wiser than you, but i lurve ya more! :D
Cris...where you been? Are you nesting in another realm? You are one of my few last buds on here! LYM! :)
i just got back from Fluville! Yeah, a bitch virus got me down but not out. No worries, I might be scarce and nowhere to be found most days but I'll always be around my friend, if only for your fresh off the garden hubs! :D
Cris...cool...your like my little brother! Glad you feel better now! I may be transplanting the garden soon...buying new land! You'll be the first to know. :)
Wow, this was an amazing snippet of your family history. Thanks for sharing. Its so true that the gospel is simple, its too bad that we make it so complicated.
deestew///thanks so much...it is simple as a baby's smile...! :)
this is a nice family history.thanks for sharing
siva...thanks much!
"Many selfish hearts know the bible word for word." How true, how true. I'm not surprised those self-appointed "Christians" didn't come around to help your Uncle Charlie. Might taint themselves or endanger the hearty welcome awaiting them at the Pearly Gates. Boy, were they ever in for a surprise! ;D
"To sum up the gospel of my great grandfather: Religion wants white robes and glory. God wants aprons and smiles."
thanks.
Tom,
Though the words of the gospel are beautiful they mean nothing until one puts them into action as you and your family members have done. God bless you for sharing your wonderful and inspiring story.
Jama...thanks much...yip..a big surprise.
rednckwmn....thank you.
Tom...thank you...saying that means a lot to me.
A history of sharing and caring..Tom what your grandpa did was built a foundation on which you have created an ark of loyal fans.Keep being a bless man
deepthought...thanks so much....it is such a good feeling to hear from those who understand. Grandpa would smile. :)
I do not know you, but you were the only person to comment on my hub, so I wanted to see what you had, and this article caught my eye. There are kingdom principles at work in that story. Don't let go.
Book Man...thank you for saying that. It is much of who I am...handed down to the heart.
Wow!! your story really touched and inspired me to continue to be a better person. Thank you so much, this will definetly be a re-read...
Thank you Madison....you summed it up well.."continue to be a better person".....I love that! Thanks! :)
Oh how absolutely right you are. This story touched my heart immensely and the basis of your story and your great grandfather's message is directly from the heart of Jesus. Jesus taught to be a servant unto others, to help the poor and needy, feed the hungry, help the widows and orphans, and in doing so, we are helping Him. He also admonished the religious leaders of His time, the Saduccess and the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and said they were like white washed tombs. Nice and white and clean on the outside, but dead man's bones on the inside. One of my favorite quotes....not tooting my own horn, but have enjoyed saying this; "Beauty is only skin deep," Thank God, Jesus looks at our hearts to see His reflection." Kim Garcia Many Blessings to you!!
"Beauty is only skin deep," Thank God, Jesus looks at our hearts to see His reflection." Thanks so much Kim...a beautiful quote! You made me smile. :)
Tom Cornett,
This was absolutely wonderful!
Your grandfather was a strong man to marry for love way back then. This shows the strength of his character he did not care more for what people thought, than what was right in the eyes of God! He preached a life long sermon with his life!
You are so right about the selfish hearts! There are many that preach give, give, but do not want to give the true GOSPEL of LOVE or as you say "THE WATER" of Jesus that does not have a price...
Most people don't get it. It is not about how full the building is or what you look like. Nor is it about how many scriptures you can quote. It is How you apply His Word that you know to you life daily! It is about; How full you are of Jesus Christ!
It is interesting how they will "label" you in order to discredit your good intentions. It may work with some and yes it can be very painful. But God knows the TRUTH! I will always remember this precious hub and continue to minister His Word "beyond the walls" as well.
I will return
Thank you for sharing it was wonderful!
Blessings!
DeBorrah....."But God knows the TRUTH!" ....so perfectly said....thanks so much for your comment....it brightened my morning. Blessing to you also. :)
Tom Cornett,
Thank you! I had my husband read this too and it just brightened both of our day as well! When I read this it was confirmation for us...
It is not easy when you know that your desire is to simply answer the Call on your life and do the will of God. You have no hidden agenda. The sad thing is you really get to see, what others will do and how some people really are when you won't conform... This is why I say "But GOD Knows the TRUTH"
Again it has been a pleasure!
Blessings
DeBorrah.....thank you....I have always thought that the gospel is something to be done first and then said. Thanks again......blessings. :)
That photo is very touching. What a nice tribute to your grandfather.
loriamoore...thanks so much! :)
So grateful there are still those who wear the aprons and smiles. Thank you for a beautiful write.
writerjay...thank you...I am grateful too. :)
dohn121 Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
Amazing Tom. Thank you sharing this. You do great service to an endearing and enduring spirit.