This past week we went to Mississippi. We took my mother-in-law and her sister to visit an old plantation sight and to see where many of their ancestors were buried.

The purpose of the trip was to let them see the places that their mother and aunts had spoke of so often We were able to hear from them the family legends as well as glean facts from the locations. It brought great joy to me to see my mother-in-law's eyes dance with delight to see some of the places she had heard of as a child.

It became a bonding time for our family: my mother-in-law, her sister, a cousin, my husband and myself. i was able to see the things that they all had in common as well as the things that separated them and made them individuals. The history of the family was filled with a common string: those who have much, much is required. The thought that you have been given so much, not necessarily financially; but in education, natural abilities and hard work required you to share with others for a common good.

Many served as senators, representatives, judges and lawyers for common people who could not afford legal help. Many started churches in their homes wherever they lived. When coming to a new place if there was not a church, they would open the doors to their home twice a week for services. Often they would leave a son or two behind when moving again to continue to pastor the church they had started. Many of the churches that they started in their home are still active. Such was the church we attended on Sunday for its 150 anniversary.

150 years ago, Peter Parker, travelled from Alabama to De Soto, Mississippi. His family and five other families built the first Baptist Church there. Peter was its first pastor and remained there for ten year. His grandson George Beverly Parker, was the Sunday School Superintendent for over 31 years ,his wife Willie Creagh Falconer Parker took care of the Cradle Roll until her death. Many of their children's families attended the church until their deaths as well.

On Sunday, my mother-in-law and her sister were able to stand there with some of the cousins representing both Peter and George Parker. It was a special time for the past and the present to meet. While there, I felt great pride that God allowed us to be a witness to His ever present hand in the life of this family.

There were inscriptions on the tombstones that reminded us that God was the foundation of a good reputation and home. These were men and women of great character that past down to the next generation a love to God and country, a love for family and community and the character to try even if it means failing and to try again. These were people who early recognized that with an education, one could achieve much and thought it to be every man, woman or child's right to be educated no matter race, creed or color.

These ancestors also played important part in the history of the state of Alabama and Mississippi. No matter what job they had, they put their family first and for this I believe their children grew up strong and confident.

There is so much that could be said or written, but that would take a long time so I will write just a little at a time.