Pastor Meg spoke today of the many times in the Bible that the nameless and unrecorded made the difference in major events. Often God confounds the rich and powerful with the wisdom of those in the audience of life. Those folks who are unseen and unheralded have the answer to life’s persistent questions.

We, quiet people, are aware of the plot. Our focus is not on recognition but results. Although Abraham Lincoln was President when he gave the Gettysburg Address, he was last to speak on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. Edward Everett was the main featured speaker. He spoke for two hours. ‘Everett was considered the most renowned orator of the antebellum era.’ ‘The day’s organizers originally invited Lincoln to deliver only a few appropriate remarks.’

I often told Presidents and Chancellors of Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale that they were missing a golden opportunity to learn how to recruit and retain students by not consulting with their civil service staff. The Staff was closer to the students than professors or administration and understood the challenges of attending SIUC.

Jesus hung with the disenfranchised and forgotten. He was comfortable with the wine drinker and the poor. Many of his disciples were fishermen. Not owners of fish companies…people who cast their nets for fish. Most of the world is Little People. Not in stature but in notoriety. People who think deeply and feel profoundly. God’s children who watch and wait for the opportunity to step in with a quiet word or suggestion that will save the day for the powerful and elite. Status means nothing to the Little People.

Women are the salvation of most noble causes. I saw as a lad in the halcyon days of Mom and me going it alone that she was a resourceful genius. Neva J sought no praise from others but rather to help those in need. She took night classes in photography, and she made little seem abundant to my little mind.

Chancellor Jo Ann Argersinger was a marvel as Chancellor of SIUC. Everyone loved her and worked together like I had not witnessed in my 20 years at that time on Campus. Elite men decided to terminate her without cause, and the Campus has never been the same.

Pastor Meg is a breath of fresh air! Her messages are uplifting and inspiring. I liked her the moment I met her. I believe we will do great things with her leadership to guide our congregation.