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 the State of Tennessee, and a military leader in the War of 1812 . . . and that was before he moved to Texas. He went on to be a leader in the Texas revolution, serve 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 for a second time, served as a Governor; this time in Texas (making him the only person in US history to serve as governor of two states!).
Much has also been written about his dissolute youth, his wild adult years; drunkenness, womanizing, and brawling. Of these times, Houston admitted that his years as a young man were "wild and impetuous, but ...spotted by no crime."
Still, people with different standards might have seen it differently. After all, though he vigorously opposed Texas secession during the Civil War (and lost his governorship because of it), he also was a slave owner.
So much has been dedicated to these two aspects of his life, the tawdry and the masterful, it is sometimes overlooked that this man's life had a spiritual side, too. From an early age, Sam was exposed to religion; his family having roots in Presbyterianism. But his personal interest wasn't sparked until he encountered the Native American (Cherokee) religion and their belief that the spirit dwelt in the trees, rocks, air, and streams. This was quite a contrast to his upbringing. Eventually, though, Sam was drawn back to christian beliefs and sought baptism.
He was turned down. Twice.
We will likely never know why those Tennessee Pastors refused Sam, but the impact was clear. He moved away from any real belief in what organized christian religion was teaching. Though, to be fair, it must be noted that when Sam moved to Texas, he was baptized into the Catholic Church. However, this was because Mexican Dictator Santa Anna required everyone to practice that one religion. No one could own land in Texas without joining the Catholic Church. No other church was tolerated.
What happened to change all of this, to move Sam from being just a nominal Catholic to the point that he would, again, consider true conversions?
A person.
When Sam announced to his friends and colleagues that he planned to marry 21-year old Margaret Lea, a woman 26 years his junior, there was frank and open skepticism. One opined the marriage would not last more than 6 months. But Margaret and Sam proved them all wrong; they were married 23 years, until Sam's death.
Margaret's impact on Sam's life was deep and broad. 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 after Sam moved his family to 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 wedding Margaret, Sam was baptized in Independence's Little Rocky Creek. As was usual in those early years, the University President also served as the Pastor of Independence Baptist Church; the two institutions being located within sight of each other. The Rev. Rufus Burleson baptized Sam that day in his role of Pastor.
What made the difference was not the presence of Baylor University, or of its President as Pastor of the church, as good as all that might have been. What made the difference was 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 Sam's to arrive at that juncture.
Now, over 150 years later, the church is still there, as is the creek. Adults are still baptized there. 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 end.
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Trinity Sunday (June 11, 2017)
http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20
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Join us Friday morning at the Waco "Egg and I" restaurant from 8 to 9 for Lectionary Breakfast. There's plenty of good food, plenty of good fellowship, and all the scripture you will ever need :-)
There's plenty of time . . .
Enjoy the week!
Steve
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A slightly different version of this reflection was published three years ago in 2014 as "The Long, Long Road to Little Rocky Creek."
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