The Heartwarming Tale of Grandpa and Ole Sally by Randy Willis

by Randy Willis

For “children” of all ages.

Everyone needs a best friend, especially Ole Sally.

A long, long time ago, there was an enchanted land of tall pine trees in Longleaf, Louisiana. In this land, an old man remembers his past. These memories bring tears to his eyes. His heart overflows with emotion.

His name is Joseph, but most folks call him Grandpa. On this snowy Christmas Day, he needs help to walk to his barn. He longs to talk to his aged four-legged trusted friend, Ole Sally. Now, Ole Sally is a mule. Don’t you dare tell her that. Grandpa has long ago convinced her she is a Thoroughbred racehorse from the Natchez country.

Grandpa tells Ole Sally he has a gift for her. It’s a mule blanket that all the Willis women made during a quilting bee. They also made a matching scarf for Grandpa.

Grandpa sweet-talks Ole Sally, whispering in her ear. He thanks her for being a loyal friend and tells her he could never have done it without ‘er.

Ole Sally leans over, and Grandpa kisses her on the nose. She backs her ears as mules do when they’re annoyed—especially the cantankerous ones. Grandpa laughs, saying, “Aww, you know you like it.”

Grandpa’s mind wanders to a time a quarter century before, as a frigid Blue Norther blows through the barn’s door. He reminded Ole Sally of how they had met.

There is no need to mention their most trusted secret. No one ever believed them anyway.

Ole Sally shivers as her high-pitched bray pierces hers and Grandpa’s misty white breath. “Hee-haw,” Ole Sally exclaims.

But what about their secret? Thus, their story begins.

Everyone needs a best friend, especially children of all ages, like Ole Sally.

**Grandpa and Ole Sally are wearing their Christmas gifts, a mule blanket and a scarf.**

Ole Sally & Grandpa’s Secret

25 years before, in the year of our Lord, 1827, on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi River in Vidalia, Louisiana

Pastor Joseph Willis reaches the Mississippi River on a Wednesday mornin’, intent on catching a barge. He decides to move as quickly as possible. He wants to reach the sandbar across the Big Muddy River and stop Jim Bowie from risking his life. However, upon getting to the water’s edge, he is stunned. He sees no barge anywhere. He sees an old man fishing with a cane pole. The man is surrounded by brown pelicans hoping for a morsel of food.

“Where’s all the barges?” asked the preacher. “I need to cross to Natchez today. It’s a matter of life and death.”

The barge tender laid down his pole, got up slowly, and walked over to the minister. He is a rough one, speaking with a gruff voice. “Well, you can wait ‘til they come back tonight and leave in the mornin’, or you can swim it, mister. Ain’t no barges to be had today. Nope, no barges! Some crazy men from Alexandria took all the barges this mornin’. Yup, they’s crossin’ the river.”

“All of the barges? Why all of ’em?”

“You been livin’ under a rock, mister? It’s the boys who’re gonna have the shootout on the sandbar. Yes, sir, filled up every barge, and they paid to have me wait for their return. Crazy as bats out of hades, the lot of ‘em, but they paid upfront, so I got no complaints.”

Pastor Willis looked chagrined. “You’re actin’ like this is some kind of county fair or circus show.”

“Nevertheless, unless you and that mule can fly, you ain’t goin’ nowhere today, friend.”

“When those men crossed, did one have sandy hair and a large knife strapped to his side?”

The fat man grinned. “You talkin’ about Jim Bowie? Heavens, yes, he was with ‘em. His boots were shined, and he looked like he was headed to a barn dance.”

Pastor Willis lowered his head and whispered a silent prayer. “That settles it,” he said. “I’ve got to get across this river this very mornin’. My mule and I will swim it.”

The fat man raises both hands. “I don’t know if ya’all are from these here parts. Let me explain to you why you won’t be crossin’ this here river, crazy though you may be. First, this time of year, the current is so strong that it will wash you down the river right away.

“Second, even if that mule is sure-footed, the bottom of the banks on both sides is thick with reeds. Wild grass and tangled roots are also present. That mule will get snarled, be pulled under, and drown.

“Third, that water is infested with snappin’ turtles, poison snakes, and gators.”

He pauses a moment to let all that sink in. Then he adds, “Now, there is an old legend. It says that many a year back, some foolhardy young preacher thought he could walk on water. He did ride a mule across and live. However, that was before my time. I never believed it. Although I heard it from some trustworthy folks. No, mister, if you go in that water today, someone will have to fish your carcass out of the river. If they find it—it will be a few miles downstream.

Joseph Willis nodded and said, “We’re about to see if history can repeat itself, brother. I was that crazy young preacher who swam it years ago, and I’m set on tryin’ it again today.”

Joseph Willis whispers in her ear, "If there are white horses in Heaven they will need pack mules." Ole Sally seems to understand.

**Joseph Willis and Ole Sally swimming the mighty Mississippi River at Natchez to Vidalia 1798**.

The fat man looked at the preacher as if he’d just heard a dog talk. He said with more respect, “Well sir I thought you weren’t real.“

“Not hardly.”

“If you do intend to ford this blasted river, may I suggest you use a younger mule? It should also be stronger, too. Also, choose one less swaybacked than this critter you rode up on?”

Joseph’s old mule, named Josh after Joshua in the Bible, backs his big ears at the fat man. Then, as he turns toward the mighty river, Josh’s ears return to their normal position. Josh’s eyes get as big as a pine knot as he gazes at the river. Josh shakes his head and seems to agree with the fat man.

Joseph scratches his head, takes a deep breath, and sizes up Josh. Reality strikes him hard when he sees Josh’s reaction. Josh was a faithful servant and friend. But Josh was just plain dat burn tuckered out. Though Josh would die trying, the pastor knew Josh couldn’t swim it again. Joseph wasn’t sure he could, either, but he stood a better chance on a younger mule.

“Where can I buy a mule colt? A molly will work, too. Quickly, tell me! Please.”

“Go down that street a stretch, and you’ll find a horse trader. You can git a good mule there, but be careful. If you got any horse sense, use it well. Ya know what I mean?”

“Sure do,” Joseph mutters as he walks away. “All too well—some of ‘em are like some preachers I hear tell of.”

Pastor Willis finds the place without any trouble and approaches the trader. “Mornin’. Do you have any mules for sale? I gotta get ‘cross that river today!”

The man looks at the stranger with curiosity. He seems to study the preacher as he walks to the stall. After fumbling with the gate, he leads out five mules into the stable.

“This here’s a good molly mule. She’s a good’un’, and she’ll give ya some good years. She’s as fit as a fiddle. He smiles slightly. He nods the whole time Joseph is talkin’. Finally, he says, “Yup, here’s the one for you. I will sell her to you for a good price ‘cause of you bein’ a preach’r man.”

“How much?”

“Fifty in gold or silver,” came the answer.

“That’s too much. How much for one of those others?” Ten, but they are already sold.

“Why is this molly mule five times more expensive?”

“She can talk.”

“Sure, she does, let me look her over,” said the preacher. He took the mule and tethered her to a nearby tree. He pries her jaws apart. He examines the lines of her teeth. He judges her to be about three years old. He walks around, touches her, and even tries to scare her. She doesn’t respond except to look back with her big, brown eyes as if to say, “Please buy me.”

“You got the St. Vitus Dance or something?” Joseph climbs on her back. She flinches slightly. It would take her a few miles to get used to a new set of hips and legs.

“The streets of heaven may be made of gold, but I’m not there yet. If I were payin’ fifty, I’d want a stallion that has just won a horse race. I’ll give you twenty, plus I’ll let you have the old mule I rode in on.

“His name is Josh. He’s still be suitable for ridin’ for a few more years. He will also be reasonable for wagon pullin’ and stump pulling for a lustrum.

Josh looked Joseph straight in the eyes. “Never mind, I’ll pay ya to keep ‘im ‘til I get back next week. I can only afford five bucks. He does not eat much,” Joseph added, changing his mind.

The trader laughed out loud. “You caught me on a lucky day. It’s a deal.”

It took Joseph a minute to settle on a name for the new mule. To him, she just looked like a Sally. She looked older than her years because of her flea-bitten, dark gray-hair coat, so he altered it to Ole Sally.”

The ride back to the waterfront was comfortable. The river between Vidalia and Natchez was narrower, but it was still a far piece to swim. Ole Sally cooperated as she and the pastor eyed the water near the barge dock. Joseph took a deep seat, gave a faraway look, and focused on the opposite shore.

From a distance, the fat man yelled, “If by any fool chance you do make it to the other side today, it will convince me there is a God.” He continued, “I’ll be in the front row of your church next Sunday when you’re preachin’ there.”

“I’ll be watchin’ for you,” Joseph said.

“Here we go, girl,” Joseph said.

“Hush my mouth Preacher. Wait a cotton pickin’ minute. You fixin’ to git us in a heap of trouble,” Ole Sally brayed with a Southern drawl. She then lets out a harsh, loud, and jarring bray. “Hee-haw for all you jackasses,” she smiles.

Joseph responds: “Are you a Baptist Ole Sally? God forbid a Methodist! I reckon I’ll preach on Balaam’s donkey next Sunday. The Fat Man should like that.

Photo Gallery

Randy Willis

Josh, Adam, Randy, and Aaron Willis with their team of mules, Dixie and Trixie, leaving Hallettsville, Texas. The lineback dun mules were family. I based Ole Sally on them and the actual mule Grandpa Joseph Willis rode according to history.

My sons, Aaron and Josh Willis, are on a mule. The Brazoria County Trail Ride.

Julian “Jake Willis with the mule’s reins and his grandchildren. The Brazoria County Trail Ride.

Julian “Jake” Willis with my baby boy, Josh Willis, and my son Aaron Willis, with his hands over his face. Their mother, Becky, is on the right, riding a paint horse. Both of the wagons and the team of mules in this photo belonged to Daddy. Dixie and Trixie (the lineback dun mules) are the team on the left. The white mules are Pete and Repeat. Daddy added rubber tires for this long trail ride for comfort.

Photo Gallery

We also rode horses, although they were often not as smart as a mule, but much brighter than a politician.

My brother Jerry Duke is on Majestic. Jerry became Trail Boss of the Brazoria County Trail Ride when Daddy retired.

Randy Willis, The Munson Ranch. Bailey’s Prairie, Texas. The Munson family arrived in Brazoria County before Stephen F. Austin.

Daddy and I are working cows between Danbury and Angleton, Texas.

Randy Willis & Jake Willis

My brother Jerry, I, and Daddy between Hallettsville and Shiner, Texas. Texas Trail Riders headed to San Antonio.

Aaron Willis on Big Boy, me with Josh Willis, and Becky (my former wife). Daddy and Marie Holder Willis are in the background.

My sons and I started riding in the Wimberley 4th of July Parade around 1980. I’m riding my all-time favorite AQHA quarter horse mare, “Spring.” She was born on the first day of Spring. Her sire was the King Ranch’s famous cutting horse, Mr San Peppy. She could run like a deer and turn on a dime. My sons Josh and Aaron are riding “Big Boy”—a quarter of a horse.Aaron and Josh won “Best Horse & Rider” numerous times.

Jake Willis, Trail Boss of the Brazoria County Trail Ride.

Jake Willis, Trail Boss of the Brazoria County Trail Ride.

Jake Willis, Trail Boss of the Brazoria County Trail Ride. Over 2,000 Riders ride out from the Brazoria County Fairgrounds.

Daddy, Jake Willis, with my sons Josh and Arron Willis. Trail Boss of the Brazoria County Trail Ride. Lunch North of Angleton, Texas.

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Between 1960 and 1968, it seemed all we did was work cows. And break horses and mules in preparation for the Brazoria County Trail Ride. Daddy was the Trail Boss. Saddle up and take a deep seat. Keep your mind in the middle as 2,000 riders, horses, mules, wagons, and buggies ride for four days.

And visit old friends around a campfire before dancing till midnight. Wake up the following day at sunrise. You’ll hear the blaring sound from the Lone Star Beer Sound Truck. It plays Eddy Arnold’s Cattle Call.

After four days, finish by riding horseback in the Brazoria County Parade through downtown Angleton. This parade kicks off the largest county fair in Texas. It is known as The Brazoria County Fair and Rodeo.

Dedication

Dedicated to my six grandchildren: Baylee Coatney Willis, Corbin Randall Willis, Presley Rose Willis, Olivia Grace Willis, Juliette Rebecca Willis, Violet Jean Willis and my future grandchildren.

The next two generations of Willis Cowgirls and Cowboys

Juliette Rebecca Willis, age two. She’s named after my dad, Julian Willis.

Olivia Grace Willis, age nine

Presley Rose Willis, age 13. Aaron Willis is to the right.

Baylee Coatney Willis, age 16

Violet Jean Willis, age one

Corbin Randal Willis, age 17. Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

And Two More

Choose your Destiny

Hell and Destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied. —Proverbs 27:20

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There are insatiable desires in man of appetites, recognition, money, and lust. Many are always wanting more, bigger, and better things. This is nothing new.

For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. —2 Corinthians 11:14

The eyes of man are never satisfied, the scripture records. Our restless heart that cannot find contentment in worldly possessions. We seem to be always seeking more.

Man has a hole in his heart. It’s a void, an emptiness. We can never fill it with relationships or money. Nor an endless array of entertainment, stimulants. Family and religion cannot fill this emptiness either.

Why? Only God can fill the “hole in our hearts.” Jesus Christ can and will satisfy that sense of longing and emptiness. We are designed—created—for God alone to occupy our souls: our heart, our mind, our will, our emotions.

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. —Psalm 139:13

We need a personal relationship with the Lord of Creation, Jesus. This means a one-on-one connection with God in the Flesh. Jesus, the Christ of the Bible, fulfills this role. He alone can fill the longings of our hearts.

Millions try pills, drugs, and alcohol. History is littered with those who have taken this route. Some try education, career, family, and religion. My friend, only Jesus can fill the longing in our hearts. He alone can fill the hole in your heart—your soul —your mind.

Jesus loves you. He came to this earth because of that love. Jesus was beaten, and a crown of thorns was pressed into his head. His beard was plucked out. He was nailed to a cross naked. Shedding his blood, God’s blood for you and me.

His coat was gambled for. And dying high on that hill called Calvary—while his beloved mother wept. His disciples, who had witnessed His miracles, all fled—save one. Despised, mocked, and rejected, he prayed.

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. —Luke 23:34

All of this for you and me. That’s how much he loves you and me.

Do you want joy and peace, and a sense of purpose? Do you long to know why the Holy God in Heaven created you? Is his intent to jerk you up by the “nap of your shirt” and then condemn you with a smirk? Not hardly.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. —John 3:17

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Is your heart broken? Have your dreams failed? Are you overwhelmed? Are you oppressed? Jesus said in Like 4:18:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed. —Luke 4:18

Join me on the most extraordinary destiny ever offered to mankind.

This most extraordinary destiny ever offered to mankind.

You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. —Habakkuk 1:13

The Lord God in Heaven cannot look upon sin, for He is Holy. Yet He loves us, sinful man, and has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him. To spend eternity with Him.

This is the story of this most extraordinary destiny ever offered to mankind.

Let’s begin with the last invitation in the Word of God, it is in Revelation 22:17:

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” —Revelation 22:17

Are you thirsty? Then come. Let him who hears come. And whosoever will, can come.

The invitation is to you—to me—to “whosoever will”—to everyone!

Bring your disappointments, failures, fears, and heartaches. The Holy Spirit says, Come to Jesus, our Savior.

God loves you. He wants to save you. He will save you. Come to Jesus, and drink the water of life freely.

Christ suffered, He bled, He died because He loves you and me. Listen to the still voice of the Holy Spirit, bidding you come to Jesus.

Don’t wait—come today! The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2 today is the day of salvation.

The Ends of the Earth

Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. —Isaiah 45:22

All you ends of the earth” includes the Aboriginal people of the Central Australian desert.

All you ends of the earth” are those in darkest Africa.

All you ends of the earth” are the isolated tribes in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.

All you ends of the earth” are presidents, world leaders, and kings.

All you ends of the earth” is the polished lawyer, the gifted doctor, and the brilliant college professor.

All you ends of the earth” is the prostitute. It is the drug dealer. It is the rapist. It is the thief. It is the murderer.

All the ends of the earth is me—and you. Come today!

Why a Bronze Serpent

“So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was if a serpent had bitten anyone when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. —Numbers 21:19

Bronze represents judgment. The serpent is destructive, deceptive, and the most dangerous creature you will ever encounter. He is our adversary and the father of all lies. His name is Satan.

He does not appear with horns, a red cape, and an ugly face. Instead, he appears as an angel of light and says, what harm can what I offer do? No one will know. No one will be hurt.

It’s your body. You are in control. You can be your own god. You can be like god. No one can tell you what you can and can’t do. He is Satan, and he comes to destroy God’s most cherished and loved creation: You.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. —John 10:10

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Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. “Take a little cocaine,” Satan whispers. “It will make you feel good. No one will know. You’re not hurting anyone.”

The Greek term pharmakeia, in the Bible, is the root of the word “pharmacy,” in English. Pharmakeia is used in the New Testament (Galatians 5:20; Revelation 9:21; 18:23) to describe sorcery, witchcraft, and drug-related magic.

Jesus says, He has come that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Choose an abundant life in Jesus today.

You don’t need hangouts, hangups, or hangovers. You need a personal relationship with the Lord of Creation, who created the Universe and you. Jesus is His name.

In that relationship lies your future, your blessed Hope, your salvation, and your joy. And your Christ blood bought destiny. Choose your destiny today. It has already been paid for with Jesus’s blood on the cross of Calvary. But you must accept God’s free gift of eternal life. That is done through faith in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

“For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” —2 Corinthians 11:14

You and I have been bitten by sin, like the Israelite’s who followed Moses out of Egyptian bondage.

The Israelites had to choose whether to put their faith in God. It was a simple act of faith, but a life-or-death decision. We too face such a choice.

Those who looked lived.
Those who looked were healed.
Those who looked were made whole.
Those who looked were saved.
They didn’t wait until they were better people.
They didn’t have to touch it.
They just looked.

Jesus tells us in John 3:14-15 that this is a picture of Him being lifted up on the Cross of Calvary.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:14-15

The bronze serpent represented the people’s sin. According to the Scriptures, Christ was made sin for us.

Will you look to Jesus?—will you put your trust in Him?—the One who died for your sins.

Will you put your faith in Jesus?—the One who shed His lifeblood for you—and me.

My son Aaron Willis’s Automobile Accident

Some years ago, my eldest son, Aaron, was in an automobile accident. His back was broken so severely that the doctors said he might not ever walk again.

Several vertebrae in his lower back were fused. After that, he was able to begin the long task of healing from the spinal fusion surgery. He was encased in a rigid plastic back brace from his neck to his waist.

Later, his doctor agreed to let him briefly remove the brace and shower as long as someone was with him.

I was driving to pick Aaron and his brothers up for the weekend. Unbeknownst to me, his brother Josh helped him remove the brace as instructed by the doctor. Aaron could take a hot shower in his shorts. Josh was with him, but was much smaller than Aaron at that time. Aaron’s doctor approved all of this.

I began to exit to stop at the Austin post office on St. Johns, off Interstate 35, when a small but clear voice said, “You need to go now.”

I passed the post office exit. I drove as fast as possible to Wimberley, an hour away. I wondered what that warning was about.

There were no cell phones then. As I entered their mother’s home, I asked his mother where Aaron was. She said in the shower.

I ran to it, and the moment I entered the bathroom, Aaron said, “Dad, I’m dizzy.”

I stepped into the shower and placed my arms under his arms from his back. He immediately passed out.

I told Josh to help me move him to a bed while their mother called 911. His dead weight was more than I could have imagined.

We got him onto his bed without re-injuring his back. I knew if he had fallen, he probably would have been paralyzed.

I prayed as I followed the ambulance to the emergency room at Austin’s Seton Medical Center. I noticed the symbol on the back of the ambulance.

It was the American Medical Association’s (AMA) logo of a serpent wrapped around a staff.

The sign of healing medicine reminded me of the bronze serpent on the staff lifted up by Moses. Christians believe that’s where the symbol originated.

But, more importantly, it reminded me of Jesus being lifted up on a cross for my son. God’s son suffered in place of my son.

To this day, I cannot see that symbol without giving thanks to the Lord for that warning. I remember the shed blood of Christ lifted high upon a cross. It was for my sins, your sins, and the entire world’s sins.

When we arrived at the hospital’s emergency room, the doctors gave him intravenous (IV) fluids. They also gave him two bottles of Gatorade for dehydration.

The hot shower, combined with pain medication and dehydration, caused his blood to rush to his feet. This resulted in him fainting.

Look

Will you look to the One lifted up on a cross for you and me? Will you look to the Great Physician—Jesus—to heal you of all your pain, emptiness, and disappointments?

Will you look to Jesus? He took your place on the cross and died for your sins. Through Him alone, you can be made new, whole, and born again.

Choose

Jesus hung between two thieves (criminals) on a cross. One rejected Him, but the other put his faith in Him.

“Will You remember me when You enter Your kingdom?” one thief asks.

Jesus replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

Both of those men were guilty of crimes serious enough to warrant the Roman death penalty. One put his trust in Jesus, and the other chose not to.

The question is, which thief on the cross are you? The one who said yes or the one who said no?

Now, there was the third cross that day. It was for another criminal named Barabbas, and he represents us.

Jesus was crucified on a cross meant for Barabbas—it was your cross—it was my cross, too.

Come

Come just as you are.

Will you say yes to Jesus—today?

There’s a Scripture that I love, and it explains things so clearly even I can understand.

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. —Romans 10:9-10

You can settle this question in heaven and on earth today. Say yes to Jesus. Accept His pardon, just as that one thief did on the cross. There are no prescriptive or mandated words. Praying is just talking to the Lord.

Open

Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” — Revelation 3:20

Ask

Self-improvement will not qualify you for salvation, for God’s Word says, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)

Comparing yourself to others will not work either: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

We seek to commend ourselves to God. However, God says our good works are like filthy rags in His sight [Isaiah 64:6]. If we are ever accepted in the eyes of Holy God, it must be through Christ our Lord.

There is no other way for says in Habakkuk 1:13, “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness.”

If you could be good enough to pay for your sins, think about this. Why did Jesus have to die for you?

Jesus bore your cross and my cross. He took our place on the cross. He shed His blood for our sins on that cross high on a hill for all the world to see.

The Just for the unjust. The Righteous for the unrighteous. The Godly for the ungodly The sinless Lamb of God for the sinner.

According to the Bible, we all have feet of clay and fall short of God’s glory. Our righteousness is described in the Bible as filthy rags. God’s grace (his undeserved favor) is available to us all. However, we must accept His gift of forgiveness. This gift was bought and paid for on the cross with Jesus Christ’s lifeblood. You can say yes to Jesus’s free gift right now.

Our greatest need is forgiveness. Christ came to forgive us, but we must accept that free gift. Jesus said in Revelation 3:20:

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. —Revelation 3:20

Jesus knocks, but you must open the door to your heart, to your life, to your future.

It’s not a prescribed list of words. In Luke 23:42, one of the criminals crucified with Jesus pleads, “Lord, remember me when You come into your kingdom. His heartfelt cry of faith from the cross saves him.

Jesus answers in the next verse with a promise. He says, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” The first person to accompany Christ to Heaven was this lowly thief on the cross.

Isn’t it time to decide which “thief” on the cross you are? Are you the one who put his faith in Jesus Christ? Or are you the one who rejected our Savior who gave His lifeblood for us?

The most famous 25 words ever written:

For God so loved the world. He gave His only begotten Son. Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. —John 3:16

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If these words are how you feel in your heart, then pray:

Heavenly Father,

I pray to You, asking for the forgiveness of my sins.

I confess with my mouth. I believe with my heart that Jesus is Your Son. He died on the cross at Calvary so that I might be forgiven.

Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead. I ask Jesus to come into my life as my personal Lord and Savior.

I turn from my sins and will surrender to your will throughout my life.

Your word is truth. I confess with my mouth that I am born again. I am cleansed by the blood of Jesus!

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

Reach out and touch Him today!

For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well. —Matthew 9:21

Epilogue

I was headed to Temple Baptist Church with Grandma, and my owner’s manual: the Bible. It was Grandma Lillie Hanks Willis who first poured Jesus into me; sometimes, she even used words. That’s my dog Pedro wanting to follow me.

We attended Temple Baptist Church in Clute, Texas, every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. It seemed that everyone attended church in those days.

On a Wednesday night, my mother could not attend church. I walked to church from our home at 519 Coleman Street. My twelve-year-old sister Marjorie accompanied me. I was only eight.

I had no intention of that night being any different from any other. I cannot recall a word Pastor Bill Campbell said in his sermon. But I remember vividly another voice that spoke to my mind—my heart—my spirit.

It was not an audible voice. It was a still, gentle voice, tender but ever so clear, telling me to go forward and accept Christ as my Savior.

I recall my response to the Holy Spirit as if it were five minutes ago: “Lord, I am too shy. I would if my mother were here to go with me.”

I felt someone touch my left shoulder. My sister Marjorie was sitting in the back row with her friends. She could not see my face, for I was seated near the front.

She said, “I’ll go with you if you want me to.” I immediately stood and walked with her to the front of the church and made my decision public.

I know you do not have to have an experience like that to be born again. Nevertheless, I am grateful for that experience; it has never left my mind or my heart.