My cup overflows.
It particularly overflows in the relationships God has given me in life.
Louise: If anyone should be recognized tonight, it is my wife Louise. In our marriage, she is the spiritual giant. I hope to have a small shack next to her mansion in heaven. Without her, my work at Joshua's Way would have been almost impossible. Not only has she helped there in so many ways, she has continued to work outside the home so that I could step away from a full-time law practice to devote time to Joshua's Way. For over 32 years, she has been my closest confidante and friend. She is the artist in my life. She helps me to see all of God's colors in every beautiful sunset and in the ordinary events of life. She has been God's instrument, smoothing my rough edges, and displaying a wonderful spirit of gentleness and grace throughout our marriage. Our journey has had a number of unexpected turns--you never thought you would be married to a pastor did you, Louise--, a few dark valleys of death and disease, but an incredible depth of joy and happiness that has been absolutely exquisite. I cannot imagine life without her. No husband could ask for a better wife. As a small token of my love for her, I have some flowers.
Caleb and Kate: How about my children who participated in this service? Half a lifetime ago, God, for His own divine purposes, took our son Joshua, but then God gave Louise and me a double measure of joy by sending us Caleb and Kate. They are not only my children; they are also my friends who I now often call on for wise counsel and advice. They are both strong Christians who have been so supportive of me and Joshua's Way. No father could ask for better children.
Paige: And then God gave us a third blessing when Paige, Caleb's wife, came into our lives. Tonight, she is saving lives in the intensive care unit at Greenville Memorial Hospital. She too has been so supportive of me and Joshua's Way.
The entire Rogers' family: I thank Paul, my physical brother who is also my spiritual brother, who prayed for me tonight. Many of you know how much time he has devoted to Joshua's Way. His assistance there has been invaluable.
Mom and Dad have given us a rich legacy. You know the Rogers' family is a big family: six children in all. The great thing about a large family is that when you need assistance, there is a small army ready and willing to go into action. I am indebted to all of my family for their encouragement and support, not only of me, but of Joshua's Way.
Some of my brothers are still a little confused about which brother is the best-looking, but you can ask my sister Rosemarie about that. She will tell you the truth.
The entire Sullivan family: When I married Louise, I got another blessing in another large family, the Sullivan family. Frank and Jo, thank you so much for all that you do, and especially for Louise.
Friends: I have so many friends here tonight. Some of you are long time members at Greer First Baptist who may have changed my diapers. A number of you taught me and trained me over the years. Then I have other friends here: Joshua's Way board members, workers, volunteers, supporters. Some of you, even before the formation of Joshua's Way, kept asking me when I was going to stop talking about spiritual things and thinking about spiritual things and do something. Kent Satterfield, for example. He actually badgered me to take action which is exactly what I needed. Eventually, Joshua's Way emerged. Thank you, Kent.
Rick Ezell and the ordination council: Many thanks to Rick Ezell and the entire ordination council. The entire process was an excellent process. I deeply appreciate the affirmation of this ordination. I also appreciate Rick and the council taking a chance by ordaining a lawyer.