Hold The Phone

Hold the phone... It is a phrase we have all heard. Today, this phrase takes on a different significance for me. I recieved a call from Austin, Texas and the general Obama campaign at 3pm to be available as a Pastor in the state of Texas for a conference call at 3:30pm, with Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Hold the phone...It is a phrase that has taken on the meaning of hope, encouragement and inspiration. I dialed in and punched in the accesss code to the conference call. The call began with Joshua DuBois, National Deputy Director of Religious Affairs of Obama For America was explaining the purpose of the call and its participants. Dr. Randy Vaughn, President of the Texas Baptist State Convention, gave the opening invocation. My pastor, Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III, was next to speak on the call to give the background foundation for the purpose and concerns for the call and responsibilities to the Pastors. Pastor Haynes spoke of the need for a man like Barack Obama because of '...failed policies of an evil administration to effect Davidic change." Nobody I know can wrap it up and present it like Pastor Haynes. Dr. Ralph Douglas West, of Houston, Texas, then introduced Senator Barack Obama.

Senator Obama spoke for about 17 minutes, sharing his vision, his mission, his heart and his concern. I sat and listened with amazement at how logical and methodical his mind and thinking is. His burden for America at-large and for people individually is genuine. His faith is real. I was honored to be among those whom shared in the call and the moment.

He spoke of his campaign, by the grace of God, being more than a campaign but a movement where we can hope for better, believe for better and strive for better. His burden for the ills and concerns of every American was articulated in a straightforward yet empathetical way. He was encouraged by the main message of the grassroots footsoldiers who are engaged, show interest and are excited about what this campaign means and what the future of American can be. He asked for all Pastors support because of a 'moral and historical obligation' to Biblical mandates. He then ended by asking for prayers for his wife and family.

After Senator Obama spoke, Dr. Shaun Casey, Bishop William Watson of the Church of God In Christ and Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston, Texas rounded out the remainder of the conference call. I am still in a 'lil bit of awe at the men of God and the person of Barack Obama with whom I had just shared a moment in time with. I am honored to engage with men whom I admire and respect for many reasons and a presidential candidate who has grabbed the attention and hearts of America like non other since John F. Kennedy.

Whatever your stance and perspective in this presidential race, I encourage you to vote. Do not let it be said that you were not apart of the process. It is a tired and worn phrase, yet it is true, your vote counts. Your vote could very well be 'the' deciding vote.

As the 'old folks used to say and sing when I was growing up, at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas...I'm just glad to be in the number, one more time.

This has been a 'wild week' for me. A roller coaster of sorts....From celebrating the joys of an additional year in Pastoral ministry of a friend (preaching his 6th year Pastoral anniversary to be exact), to watching the triumphant return of Jason Kidd to the Mavericks in American Airlines Center (yeah! they won!), to meeting and partying with Erykah Badu, Biz Markie and Dave Chappelle (for a good purpose to raise funds for her non-profit that benefits youths in the hood), to meeting former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (in town promoting his new biography), all while dealing with the emotinal roller coaster and sadness of heart of the disintegration of a relationship that I thought would last and wishing them to be there to share these experiences with, to being on the phone with presidential candidate Barack Obama. All of this, of course, is in the course of responsibility of leading and feeding a church and looking for a building for our congregation. I am looking forward to seeing the people of The Love Church and worshiping our God together in spirit and in truth on tomorrow. My spirit needs it and my soul desires it.

What a week!... but, HOLD THE PHONE, I am encouraged with Obama's speech ending matra, Yes We Can!

AGAPE,

Pastor Patterson
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Livin To Love