Before I moved to Texas, I had never heard of Sam Houston. Possibly worse: I believe if I hadn’t moved to Texas, I likely would have never heard of Sam Houston.
Still, if you come to Texas, you will discover that much has been written about Sam. His stamp on public life and on the political side of our nation cannot be overstated. He was a member of the House of Representatives, a Governor of Tennessee, and a military leader in the War of 1812 ... and that was before he moved to Texas. After that, he went on to be a leader in the Texas Revolution, served as the 1st and 3rd President of the Republic of Texas, shepherded the treaty that later joined Texas to the United States, was a US Senator from Texas, and then served as Governor of Texas.
Houston was a complex, complicated person. His was a dissolute youth and a wild adulthood. He was known for his drunkenness, womanizing, and brawling.
What is often overlooked: his spiritual side.
Twice, Sam was drawn to christian beliefs and sought baptism. He was turned down. Twice. Later, when Sam moved to Texas (then part of Mexico), he was baptized into the Catholic Church. However, no one could own land in Texas without joining the Catholic Church. Mexican Dictator Santa Anna required everyone to practice that one religion. No other church was tolerated.
Later in life, though, Sam Houston experienced a true conversion, committing his life to the Lord. What happened?
A person.
When Sam married Margaret Lea, a woman 26 years his junior, there was frank and open skepticism. But, they were happily married 23 years, until Sam's death. Margaret's impact on Sam's life was deep and broad. He made changes he believed were important to his new life (e.g., he became a tea-totaler, not even having alcohol for guests). They produced and raised eight children. And, under her discipleship, Sam slowly began to move in the direction of The Lord. While away from home in Washington, DC, he began attending the E Street Baptist church.
Still, it was only after Sam moved his family to the bustling village of Independence, Texas so his daughters could attend Baylor University —one of the few admitting women at the time— that he seriously considered conversion.
Finally, on November 19, 1854, over 14 years after marrying Margaret, Sam was baptized in Independence's Little Rocky Creek. What made the difference: the calm, considerate, constant teaching of Margaret, the example she set for Sam as wife and mother, and her own faith in The Lord. It took 14 years of her life, and many, many more of his to arrive at that juncture.
Now, over 150 years later, the creek is still there, as it the little church Sam and Margaret attended. Adults are still baptized in Little Rocky Creek. One can only hope they are being discipled by folks who, like Margaret, will take whatever time is needed; who will approach the process in the order set forth in this week's Matthew passage.
Disciple, baptize, teach them the commands and to obey them. And, finally, help them know that Jesus will be with them always ... even to the very end.
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Different versions of this reflection were published in June 2014 and June 2017.
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Trinity Sunday (June 7, 2020)
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu//texts.php?id=142
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20
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June 7th will be DaySpring’s first Sunday back for in-person worship. Sadly, Lectionary Breakfast is still on break. Until we can get together, let’s all keep reading scripture and praying for each other.
Blessings,
Steve
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