Originally published in the June 3, 2008 issue of The Evangel.
by Cherilyn Crowe, FBC member
I have no relatives in the state of Tennessee. When I moved to Nashville to try and make it on my own, I worried if someone would be there to catch my hat when I threw it up in the air.
Sure, I get my share of Ted Baxters, Mr. Grants, and Murrays at work, and I connect with many other singletons in the area. But, when the going gets rough, nothing takes the place of people who feel like family.
I look around First Baptist Nashville and see my fun little brothers and sisters, compassionate cousins, authentic aunts and uncles, and wise parents and grandparents. These are the people who help me move, give me career advice, feed me meals, and pick me up when I'm down. I look forward to seeing them at weddings, and I'm comforted when we share hugs and tears at funerals.
My family sees me at my best and worst. They stay with me when others flake out. They ask me tough questions. They let me learn from their experiences. They help me in the everyday and the everlasting.
I am lucky to have such great work relationships and so many caring friends here. But, I am constantly amazed and overwhelmed when I think about my adopted family that shares service, laughter, tears, debates, and crises with me. A sense of belonging washes over me when I walk through our doors. Love is all around First Baptist Nashville, and I know that I don't have to make it completely on my own.
