The half-century mark is five decades on this special planet called earth. As the clock strikes twelve midnight, ending August 13th to commence August 14th will mean that I have reached fifty years of age in 2019. According to numerology, the number fifty symbolizes the total man. This favorable number marks grace, kindness and regeneration. Karl von Eckartshausen, an author, German Catholic and philosopher, who lived to see the founding of the United States of America referred to reaching fifty as the number of illumination.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations,” Jeremiah 1:5.
I was born the day Hurricane Camille formed as a tropical depression. A few days later this massive storm struck the Gulf Coast, the second most intense tropical cyclone on record to hit the United States. Perhaps, this was a foreshadowing of the life that I would live. I have survived earthquakes, floods, a microburst and a tornado. I escaped a head on collision, a freak boating and tubing accident to make it to what I call Hawaii 50. Nonetheless, I have a lot to be thankful for, truly blessed to be alive.
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them, Psalm 139:13-16.
My spiritual birth occurred on December 4th, 1984, during my sophomore year of high school. My spiritual father was my high school swim coach and Science teacher. As the leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Concord High, Mr. Horne coached, directed and guided new believers toward seeking God’s will for our lives. While I didn’t always take a straight line or path, the Holy Spirit empowered me to become a Bible teacher, youth director an aspiring writer. I’m truly blessed to be married to Leanne who gave birth to our 3 wonderful children. I’m not sure what the Lord has planned for me in the years to come, but I pray that I keep in step with God’s Spirit so that I don’t miss my next calling.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 