Yesterday, I witnessed something sacred. It was not just a church service, not just a sermon—but a moment that affirmed calling, legacy, and divine timing.

My brother, Pastor Rick, is now faithfully leading a United Methodist congregation in Waxhaw, North Carolina—and I couldn’t be prouder. His preaching is everything a message should be: thoughtful, practical, biblically grounded, intellectually rich, and deeply nourishing. He doesn’t just teach the Word—he exegetes it with a scholar’s mind and exhorts with a shepherd’s heart, and he does it all with a humility that draws you in and makes you want to lean forward just to catch the next truth he’s about to drop.

Yesterday was my second time visiting, and it will not be my last. I plan to return monthly, if only to keep my father connected to this unfolding legacy—and to keep my own spirit fed.

Morgan joined us for the first time and was equally moved. My son sat in deep attention. My father, proud and peaceful. Me? I was holding back tears. Not just because of what I heard, but because of what I felt. The presence of our mother.

I know Mama was there, smiling from that great cloud of witnesses. I can almost hear her voice directing heaven’s choir as she watched her son fulfill the very thing she prayed for. She always believed he belonged in the Western North Carolina Conference. While Rick’s path there wasn’t linear—especially after doors seemed closed in Florida—God made a way, just like He always does. Now, he is doing the work, walking in that same anointing she once carried. Pastoring. Preaching. Feeding God’s people, and doing it beautifully.

This congregation is a gem. Warm, welcoming, and clearly hungry for truth. In just one hour—yes, even with communion—Pastor Rick poured out wisdom, structure, order, and grace in a way that only someone operating in divine purpose can. The ship he’s steering isn’t just running tight—it’s sailing steady, full of peace and power.

So today’s blog is just a word of gratitude and encouragement. Rick, stay the course. Keep preaching. Keep praying. Stay at the feet of the Lord so you can stay before the people with power. Your work matters more than you know.

We see you. We’re proud of you, and heaven’s choir is surely rejoicing.

In love and charity,

Giselle (aka) Blooming-Lillie