Mrs. Effie

 

I was experiencing worship on Sunday morning, 

Playing my horn, 

Singing,

Praying,

Reading liturgy, 

Partaking in communion, 

When bam! 

A memory hit me and brought me to tears. 

“Precious Lord Take My Hand” made me remember Mrs. Effie from my chaplaincy days.

 

At her skilled nursing facility in Fuquay, 

Mrs. Effie was the light of the whole place. 

Her spirit, her sense of humor, her singing, her faith—

Everyone loved Mrs. Effie, 

Including me. 

 

I spent many hours standing by Mrs. Effie’s bedside, 

Talking with her, 

Praying with her, 

And singing with her. 

Her favorite song was, “Precious Lord Take My Hand.” 

 

As I was remembering Mrs. Effie, 

I went back to my writing from 2013 and found this gem from almost exactly this date. 

What a precious conversation, 

And what a true reflection of my heart. 

 

Me: You’re supposed to rest on Sunday, Mrs. Effie. That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to go to church and then I’m going to rest. But tonight I’m going to go home and clean the garage for mom and dad and take care of Bullet.

 

Mrs. Effie: That’s why I like you so much, Sweetpie.

 

(I’m thinking, “Because I like dogs?”)

 

Mrs. Effie (continuing): You’re kind. You love your family. You love the church. And you love black people.

 

Me (a bit surprised by her statement but grinning from ear to ear and nodding in agreement): Well. Yes. Yes I do.

 

Mrs. Effie: You love black people. White people. Any color people. It doesn’t matter. You just love people.

 

Me: Yes. I do. And I. Love. YOU.

 

Mrs. Effie (grinning): And I. Love. YOU.

 

Amen.