Blog Post by
Rev. Thirza Sayers
Hillside Presbyterian Church &
Light for the Darkness


I write this as a celebration of my tenth ordination anniversary (1/2/11).  I thought about telling the pretty story of folks coming from far and wide to gather robed and smiling, but decided I would tell the real Call Story, which started 1/1/11. Appropriately given last Sunday’s Jonah text, the story begins with me running away, driving away for all the reasons—”not me, O Lord, not me!”
About forty-five minutes from nowhere, or nearly in the center of Giddings-Lovejoy, my car flipped twice and landed on its side. Despite a decent gash in my head, I began with great composure to search for my driver’s license and insurance.  “Glove compartment? No—but, there was my olivewood cross from Jerusalem.  Armrest compartment? No—but there was my 23rd Psalm scripture card.”  I looked in the backseat for my dog; unable to reach him, my hand came up with my Bible.  I thought, “this is unhelpful, where are my driver’s license and insurance?”  Then, a sweet woman, in the middle of nowhere, came to check on me; get this: she was my childhood babysitter, now working as a nurse!
This is what I heard as told through a sanctified imagination of Jonah 3:1-3:
‘1The word of the LORD came to Thirza a second time, saying,
2“Get up, go to Potosi, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.2bAnd beloved child, as far as you go, as big as you mess up, I got you—the cross has saved you, my Word surrounds you, and I will put the people you need in your life.” 3So Thirza set out and went to Potosi.’
Since ordination in Potosi Presbyterian, this ten-year road has certainly had its bumps and has led me to serve a grace-filled congregation in House Springs and a life-giving mental health ministry.  God continues to show up in miraculous ways in my life through provision and people.  I hired a wonderful, part-time colleague for Light for the Darkness in December; within a week the exact amount of funds necessary for his yearly salary arrived.  I will be ever grateful for these glimpses of Light that I have the privilege of sharing.
Grateful for all who have companioned me along the way and those who have allowed me to companion them,
Rev. Thirza Sayers
Pastor at Hillside and Light for the Darkness

3 Comments

  • Posted January 27, 2021 10:19 am
    by
    Ellen Gurnon

    Beautiful, Thirza. Thanks for sharing!

  • Posted January 28, 2021 4:45 pm
    by
    MaryLynn Darden

    Thoroughly glad to call you my friend, Thirza!

  • Posted January 30, 2021 5:57 am
    by
    Tracey Rapisardo

    So glad God sent you in our direction.

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