Whispers from Heaven's Front Porch

          What is it about the Front Porch and the South? In warm weather,  it is coolly inviting. Families congregated on the front porch for conversation, a cool glass of tea, and for watching neighbors and friends pass, signaling a greeting. The Front Porch is a Southern staple, as much as sliced tomato and cucumber summer salad.
                Back yards, patios, decks, and privacy fencing have moved our porch sitting habits to a more secluded area. Outdoor living spaces include grills, swimming pools, and outdoor lighting located in the rear of the home. Nothing replicates the inviting community feel of a beautiful front porch, though, as it welcomes folks to experience “porch sitting.”

Iconic Front Porch in Rector, AR

       In my imaginings, Heaven has a Front Porch. Family ancestors are occupying rocking chairs, or a porch swing, as I remember from childhood experiences. To me, Heaven’s Saints rock in oversize chairs on that Front Porch; the Cloud of Witnesses observe my life and yours as they sip sweet tea with a sprig of mint. 

                              Hebrews 12: 1 (NIV) - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

                   This passage and the sermon preached called attention to the church balcony inviting us to picture there our own "great cloud of witnesses.” The pastor exhorted us to populate the balcony with the people in our lives who impacted our spiritual walk, our daily commune with our fellow man, and our interactions with the world.  These persons who occupy the pews in the imagined Balcony of Heaven observe us, witness our lives.  They live in us through their profound influence. 

In addition to the faithful whose stories are told in the Bible, we recall more people in the “great cloud." Teachers, Sunday School and youth leaders, neighbors and family members have shared their faithful lives with us and are on Heaven’s Porch, witnessing.  Listen for their encouragement.  It may be in that breeze that just whispered across your Front Porch.  Pictured: grandmother (L)Mildred Gordon Horne and great aunt (R)Frances Gordon Usrey.