Hello October!

We are exhaling summer and inhaling the cool breeze of autumn. I’ve been wearing pink to bring awareness to breast cancer and to celebrate those who lead in the fight.

I love everything about October except the time change. In October, school is comfortably in session and mums are blooming while Christmas plans are being made. 

In the midst of all that excitement, October is also the month that holds the annual Clergy Appreciation Day. Many recognize the month of October as an opportunity to celebrate clergy which is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in October. 

Pastors and ministers make incredible sacrifices everyday as they stand in the gap spiritually for all people. They are expected to live in a glass house, always be available and to know the right words to say. They are sometimes expected to put others before their own families, while at all times remaining positive and changing the climate of the scene upon arrival.

Do you have a minister in your life that you feel comfortable calling upon? Do you know a minister in the trenches of your community who could use some encouragement?

Join others across the United States and show gratitude to those who serve the Lord and the Lord’s church faithfully and celebrate them on Oct. 14.

Having a spiritually leader to call upon to pray for you or to encourage you in lean times, happy times and uncertain days is an awesome privilege.

There are so many ways you can show appreciation to ministers in your life; here are a few ideas:

• Write a handwritten note expressing your gratitude

• Send a card in the mail

• Provide dinner for their family

• Send a gift basket or gift card

• Call them and say thank you

I believe each day is an opportunity to deposit good in others and show the love of Jesus with those who need a lift. Find a way today to make a difference – go encourage the encourager. 

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” -- 1 Timothy 5:17

Rev. Dr. Michelle Gooding is the senior pastor of Herring Grove Free Will Baptist Church, Kinston. She can be reached at mvgood@gmail.com.