Thursday, September 3, 2020

Happy Birthday HCA!

In the fall of 1994, God provided a vision to two young moms at Highland Baptist Church to begin a school for their children, and for the kids of other dedicated believers in the community.  Desiring their kids simultaneously have a strong spiritual foundation as well as a strong academic environment, they were discouraged by the lack of choices, and followed the Lord’s lead to begin Hickory Christian Academy. 

On September 5, 1995, HCA opened its doors to 19 students.  Four children entered Mrs. Ennis’ 1st grade, Five kids were in Mrs. Huffine’s Kindergarten class, and Mrs. Ragan had 10 in her K4 class.  And, all of a sudden, HCA was off and running!  The original Mission Statement, which we still adhere to today, was written as “Equipping children today to become God’s leaders tomorrow.”

25 years later, as the school hovers around 500 students and 40 teachers, a lot has changed.  We have our own campus, students through 12th grade, over 325 alumni (seven of whom now have their kids back at HCA as current students).  We have student athletes, a daily lunch program, hundreds of college graduates, an alumni association, and a community footprint where we are respected and appreciated as a beneficial asset to the Catawba Valley. 

But, the mission has not changed.  Our desire was, and is, to produce Christian leaders.  That does not necessarily mean that every student becomes a boss, but rather that they become steadfast in their faith, unwavering in their commitment to Jesus through a combination of true biblical worldview (Christian) and training of the mind (Classical).  Upon graduation, an HCA student will be a combination of spiritual and intellectual strength, making them difference makers for the gospel. 

From year two.  Wearing uniforms for the first time!
I don’t know exactly what Karen Johnson and Debbie Bolch had in mind when they founded the school 25 years ago, but I do know that something beautiful has emerged from their prayers and obedience, and every one of us benefits from that today.  Any time you do something significant, you will encounter resistance, rough patches, and fears (including this year for sure), but when you receive the reward, it is all worth the work. 

As Hickory Christian Academy celebrates 25 years of Classical Christian education, I invite you all to be a part of the celebration.  For now, we cannot hold a large gathering, but maybe soon we will be able to do something a little more formal.  Until then, let me simply say THANK YOU to all who have played a part in the success of this school, from founders to teachers to board members to parents and students.  And, let me just say Happy Birthday HCA! to each of you.  So, wherever you are, and however you choose, please join me in celebrating God’s faithfulness to our precious school.  Whether you have been with us for 25 years, or just a couple weeks, you are now part of a very special story, and we are excited to rejoice over this milestone, and the ones to come, alongside each of you.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Rejoice in the wife of your youth

Gayle and I have been married for 27 1/2 years.  July 11, 1992 was a scorching hot day in Hickory, and I was wearing a tuxedo.  Normally, that would put me in a crabby mood, but on that particular day, I didn't bother to think about the drops of sweat dripping down my back, or my lack of oxygen.  Rather, I was focused on the moment in time that would shape my future, and everything about me from that day forward.  I was a mature 22 year old, or so I believed at the time.  I had just graduated college, and landed a job teaching high school math and physics, making a whopping $19,000/year, which, fresh out of college, seemed like a million bucks to me.  We had arranged a honeymoon through a timeshare tour agreement in Florida and the Bahamas, bought a plane ticket, had the world on a string, and were ready to share life.
She still looks at me like this!

Well, as you know, "life" has many flavors and seasons.  Six kids, one son-in-law, four colleges, 20 used cars, aging parents, 5 houses, and a dozen pets later, we have seen a lot, and shared a lot.  When two individuals choose to unite in one household, there are many more ramifications to that decision than a glossy-eyed 22 year old can possibly comprehend.  It would be nice if we always agreed on everything, but the fact is, we don't.  It would be great if we always said kind words to each other, but we fail there as well.  It would also be nice if we were both always self-sacrificial, thinking of the other first, but...

Marriage can be hard, and over the years, Gayle and I often found ourselves co-existing more than celebrating our union.  Many times, we were defined more accurately as business partners than husband and wife.  After all, there is a BIG household of children to manage, a bank account to watch shrink, and a busy schedule to check off, among a myriad of other things that life throws at each of us.

But, she stuck it out with me all these years, and put up with my quirks, pride, attitudes, and snoring, and I am so thankful that she did.  Because, I cannot imagine a better scenario for my life than to be married to Gayle.  She is compassionate, caring, honest and joyful.  She is a prayer warrior for our family, and for many of yours as well.  She taught me how to love Jesus unconditionally , and continues to do so daily.  Marriage is not about being happy every day (repeat that 100 times).  Rather, it is about choosing someone to share the daily grind of life with...the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and defeats.  It is also a reflection of Christ's relationship with His people (Eph. 5:25), and the sacrificial love which forms that relationship.  We have an opportunity every day, just by being married, to show people how much Jesus loves His Church, starting with the people living in our house...

Two became Nine

So, as I think of my Valentine today, and the legacy we are forming through this spiritual bond God has placed us in, I just want to encourage all of you to rejoice in the wife (or husband) of your youth today (Prov. 5:18).  She is worth rejoicing in because she is more than a roommate or business partner.  She is a gift from God.  She's not perfect, and neither am I, but the One who placed us together is perfect, and therefore we are excited to trust Him with our lives and with our family.

I love you Gayle.  I can't wait to see what the next 27 1/2 years holds for us!