This has been a difficult week in the life of the Shiloh Church Family. Last week, one of our faithful and beloved pastors, Mike Rodgers, suddenly transitioned from earth to glory. Pastor Rodgers' passing has left our entire congregation with heavy hearts. Mike was a man of God, a loving shepherd, and a spiritual mentor to many in our church. He is already missed. But we are strengthened by the gospel that he preached to us and the hope of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. Thank you to all of our friends and well-wishers...

Today is my big brother’s 50th birthday. I thank God for Kevin B. Willis Sr. and the blessing his life is to me. I preached my first sermon when I was 11-years-old. What I remember best about that service is my brother being there and extending the invitation afterward. I wanted to go to Bishop College, because Kevin went to Bishop. (Unfortunately, when I finished high school, there was no more Bishop College. But that’s another conversation.) I remember the first time Kevin heard me preach after our father passed. Afterwards, he told me two things: (1) You are a...

It is my funeral. My family and friends have gathered to pay their final respects. Songs of praise have been lifted. Scripture has been read and prayers have been offered. Now it is time for remarks. My children go to the microphone. They are going to talk about their father. What will they say? My goal is to live my life in such a way that when my children speak of me, after I am dead and gone, they will be able to say at least three things about me. I know my father loved God unconditionally. Many obituaries state...

I attended my grandmother’s funeral yesterday in Oklahoma City. I was in town for less than 24 hours. And it felt like I was in the air – coming and going – longer than I was on the ground. But I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend and be with my family during this important time. Eula B. Sheffield, my mother’s mom, lived a long, rich, and full life. She was a free spirit, a straight talker, and a relentless lover of her family and friends. She had a tough exterior. I cannot remember one occasion when...