Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. – Philippians 2:14-16

Congratulations to the newly married Tate Mayo and Katie Pennington! I took just this one photograph at Saturday’s Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church wedding, but I think it effectively captures the beauty and the joy of the occasion.

Tate serves as town mayor here in Tarboro, and Katie teaches school. So between them they have a unique opportunity to put a positive stamp on this community for years to come.

Our friend Howard Dudley (senior pastor at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church in Cary) came over to officiate, so Rebekah and I enjoyed the privilege of simply being among the host of witnesses gathered to offer our support and encouragement.

My word to the couple:

My most important word for the young couple, other than “congratulations,” turns out to be the same scripture Rebekah used when she gave each of our elders a Christmas gift earlier in the week. It’s a passage that often crops up among my favorites.

“Shine in this world like stars in the sky… as you hold firmly to the word of life!”

Philippians 2

It is only by holding firmly to the Word of Life – and holding it out to others – that we are able to shine with the integrity, the clarity and the effectiveness God had in mind when we were imagined, designed and then created. This world is not always an easy place, but Jesus purposes for us to shine.

Or, to phrase it more personally, “Jesus purposes for you to shine, Tate and Katie. So hold on to the word of life with everything that you have!”

Together, and rooted in the good news story, we can light up this town with the beauty of God’s light, love, mercy, grace, peace, compassion, healing, redemption, justice, promise and hope.

In love, and because of love – DEREK