Of course, every day of every year is a special day and a special year. But the are some days, as the little boy from Waylyn said, “are more ‘specialer’ than others”! How so?
This year, 2025 has a lot of milestones for Janie and me. For instance, on Saturday, September 13, I will be 70 years old. How did that happen? One precious day after another and another. In fact, 25,567.5 wonderful days. I was born in 1955. That was a pretty good year: McDonalds opened, Disneyland in California opened, Rosa Parks rightfully refused to give up her seat on the bus. There was a cute little girl born into this world in Spartanburg. She was born in Inman but had an appointment with God’s plan that unfolded in Charleston. It was a pretty good year for little Tommy Brown to come into this world. Like the old saying goes “If I knew I was going to live so long I would have taken better care of myself!”
By the way, by lovely bride was also born in 1955. I get this all the time: “Oh Janie, you have not changed a bit…oh Hi Tom.” I chalk it up to me taking such great care of her while she dropped the ball a little on my side. LOL
This will also be the year Janie and I celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Married Thanksgiving weekend in 1975 at Dorchester Waylyn Baptist Church by Pastor David Wooten. Janie’s mom and dad and their friends catered the wedding for us! What a gift. Can you guess where we went on our honeymoon? Yep, Disney World. For more years that I can remember, I used to go back to Disney every year to tell Mickey thanks for making our week so special!
Last, but certainly not least, Janie and I have had the privilege of being at James Island for 40 years. Sunday, September 14 will be the 40-year anniversary of serving at JIBC. Our first Sunday was September 15, 1985. We had three preschool children in tow! I know that seems hard to believe. We have been blessed. I asked the Lord to allow us to stay in one place to raise our children. He winked and said “ Tom, I will do you one better, I will let you stay see your grandkids raised too!” Thank you all for the privilege of being at JIBC. To God be the glory. This is a very special year indeed.
Pastor Tom
