Poetry, Prose & Other Things

The following letter was written by a precious sister in Christ.

She was at the Church, my first to pastor in the Manassas, Va.

area. I was chosen pastor after her uncle bro. Gaston Russell

went to be with the Lord. All her family were Christians and

wonderful singers with great talent. We enjoyed so much the

great blessings of the Lord as they would sing to bless us and

praise the Lord. What a blessing it was to have such wonderful

singing along with the music to precede the message God

would give me to preach. To God be all the glory! Amen.

 

Dear Bro. Layne,

 

I guess you thought I would never get back to you. I want you

to know that I just finished your book. I have been reading a few

pages every day after my quiet time, kind of like dessert. I don't

get to eat dessert very often because of the diabetes, but your

book was like sweet honeycomb to my spirit. I was so blessed

to read (hear) your words again. I wish I had some of your

sermons from Bradley Forest on tape. How many times I recall

hearing you recite the 23rd Psalm. Reading your book was like

going to a Homecoming service. The poems in memory of Gail

were very poignant. When I think about the times we had to-

gether, Gail, Judy, Sherry and myself, it seems like another

lifetime, yet like only yesterday. We were so blessed to have

each other as friends in those impressionable years and to

have the examples of you and Sister Lois and my mom and

dad. I am rambling. What I mean to say, is that I really enjoyed

enjoyed your book. There were many times I had to put it down

to wipe my eyes. I was not weeping tears of sadness, but tears

of rejoicing and blessing. (Yes, I have that old crying kind of

salvation). May God continue to bless you both. I would be

privileged to see you all, but if that should not happen on this

earth, I will meet you in heaven. Our loved ones are not pining

for us, but they are rejoicing with Jesus there. It sure will be

good to see Mom, Dad, and Danny again. But more than they,

I want to see the One who shed His blood and died for me on

Calvary. I can't wait to cast my crowns, should I have any, at

His feet, for He and only He is worthy!

Until He comes or calls, I remain your sister in Christ,

 

Reety Jean

 

Danny, mentioned in the letter was her husband. She taught

School in S.C. & is probably retired as of now, 3/20/07.
Her name is Rita Russell Fletcher.