Words of Comfort, Help of the Helpless

By Debra DuPree Williams @DDuPreeWilliams

So many of my family members, friends, and acquaintances are going through some health issues as I write this. I don’t know if illness is more prevalent or if it only seems so because of social media and how quickly word travels.

Three years ago, when my only sibling, my older sister Bobbie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, I spent hours pouring over my Bible seeking words of comfort and hope. One of my favorite books has always been the Psalms. The words still fill us with peace and comfort.

My Prayer

As I read through the book of Psalms at that time, I made notes in the margins and highlighted favorite passages. There are many pages with these words, the prayer I repeated over and over, were written—Father God, please heal my sister.

An Old Country Church

By Debra DuPree Williams @DDuPreeWilliams

If you grew up in the south as I did, you likely attended worship services in an old country church. The one I frequented was Taylor Methodist Church, now called Taylor United Methodist.

This was the church my mother’s family attended when she was a child. It is rich with history, and is still an active, though small, congregation. My cousin, Florence, is a member, making this the place of continual worship within my family for over a hundred years.


 Precious Memories

I have fond memories of visiting this precious place for worship services and revivals. My family and I were members of the big Methodist church downtown.

When my sister and my cousin, mentioned above, were teens, a young preacher by the name of Johnny Couey came to preach one night. I remember, even as a child, thinking how handsome he was. My sister and my cousin just about flipped over him. I’ve just learned from Florence that Johnny is still alive and still preaching. How wonderful.