Sunday, November 02, 2008

One of My Teachers


I thought I stood in a long line to vote the other day. Another line is already forming by knot headed boys wanting to go out with this gal pictured here. Trust me this line will get longer and longer. When I got to the end of my line the other day – all I had to do was vote. When they get to the end of this line I’m afraid they will be met by a dad carrying a big stick.

In fact it is already happening.

Her dad told me today that two guys came to their house just recently. He nonchalantly told them that he was her dad and he had been to jail before and he is not afraid to go again. And he was not kidding.

I suspect they got the message.

Her gorgeous looks are obvious. On a 1 -10 scale, she is at least a 20. And if they gave an award at Southside Church for Miss Congeniality – she would win that hands down too. She never meets a stranger and has a personality that will take her further than she could possibly know. Take it from someone who has been around the block a time or two - this girl is the complete package. And she is just getting started.

I’ve been fortunate to have a front row seat watching Chaley Bibb grow up. My wife taught her in the third grade and Chaley insists that “Miss Kathy” was her favorite teacher. When we moved to Warner Robins, Chaley was 10 years old. She and her former teacher were very happy to be united again. Her dad, Charlie, is one of the pastors on staff at our church and had previously been a pastor at a church in my home land of Taylor County. Being the undertaker I am, I knew Charlie and his wife Connie long before Charlie became one of my pastors.

By the way, Charlie and Connie have another special daughter. Caitlyn was born with a disease that is related to Muscular Dystrophy. She cannot walk and she cannot see. I have had the privilege to watch Chaley tenderly take care of her little sister. It has been one of the most incredible things I have ever witnessed. I have watched her so many times as she became Caitlyn’s legs and eyes. The genuine love between these two sisters will cause a lump in your throat. And I am very thankful I’ve had such a great vantage point.

Chaley learned early on that life was not just about her but also about the opportunities God puts in her path to make a difference in the life of someone else. I can tell you that most 16 year olds have not learned that lesson.

Chaley could teach it.

The truth is she has been teaching me since she was 10 years old. I've been fortunate to have several teachers along the way. This 16 year old girl is definitely one of them.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful girl!

Anonymous said...

WOW, I can't believe this is that LITTLE GIRL I taught piano lessons when she was six. Where has the time gone. She was cute then, and now she is beautiful. I wonder if she ever took any more piano lessons???
Joy

Anonymous said...

oh my stars...
you are too sweet!
i forgot how much i loved you!
haven't seen you in a while...
but thanks for that. it was super encouraging
and i really needed it...
i am going through a really weird and awkward time right now
and i guess god was just speaking to me through that...
i love you so much!
one more time... thanks.

-Chaley

Anonymous said...

Words can not describe how proud both Connie and I are of our daughter Chaley. She has got the world at her finger tips. Chaley has been developing into a beautiful God fearing woman for quite some time now. It is my prayer that she will love God with all her heart, mind, soul, and Strength. We have instilled the principles in live to make her a great success as a women, wife, and mother. I am having the time of my life watching her grow in every area of her life. We are very excited about watching Chaley in these next stages of Life (just to fast). She will be making some great decisions that will affect her course of life. Connie and I want to thank you God for trusting us with your child Chaley Bibb.
Prayer: Father, you are so awesome in everything you do! YOU ARE THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS. Forgive us of the mistakes we have made along the way with Chaley. Thank you for the blessing she is to this world. Father, she has always belonged to you. I beg you with all my heart to use her for your kingdom work, let your will be done in her life. (That was hard to say) Prepare a Godly husband for her future!
In Jesus Name AMEN
Charlie Bibb

Anonymous said...

i tell you. all four of those bibbs are awesome. i am truly blessed to know them. i don't get to be around them much anymore, but i thank God for them. Charlie and his family are truly a work of God.
mike h

Mission Man said...

I'll tell you right now, her daddy is not the only one those boys have to worry about. There's a young fella that all her daddy has to say is go, and he'll take care of some business. He's a good-hearted fella that has never been to prison, but he will protect.

Mission Man said...

I'll tell you right now, her dad ain't the only person those boys have to worry bout. Her dad has a guy that all he has to say is steak dinner, and that guy will go. He has never been to prison, he's a good-hearted fella, but don't think for two seconds he will not protect.