Just Say “Yes”

July 28, 2019

Another Sunday has come and gone. Following worship in Dunkirk, we were treated to a luncheon in my honor for having served there for the past two years. I should be thanking them. 

Some years ago, our family attended the Chautauqua County Sports Hall of Fame banquet. Linda’s father was racing NASCAR when Daytona was still on the beach. Kyle Petty was the featured speaker for the evening, and since Linda’s dad had raced with Kyle’s grandfather, they were seated together on the dais. Kyle told us after the program that sitting with Lloyd was like talking with his grandfather again—he told the same stories Kyle had heard as a child. 

Kyle’s presentation for the evening was about more than racing. Of NASCAR, he commented, “I don’t know which is crazier; us driving around in circles, or you paying to watch it.” His passion however, wasn’t racing. It was Victory Junction, a camping experience for chronically ill children he and other NASCAR drivers support. With full medical services and a complete summer camp program, they provide an experience these kids seldom get, and they provide it free not only for the child, but also for the child’s entire family.

Kyle and his wife got involved in Victory Junction after his son Adam was killed in a qualifying run for a NASCAR race. Adam had gotten involved, and his parents decided to build on their son’s passion. Kyle concluded his presentation that evening with these words: “All I did was raise my hand and say, “Yes.” It’s something anyone can do, and when you do, God does miracles. Just raise your hand and say, “Yes.””

All I did in Dunkirk was raise my hand and say, “Yes.” It’s nothing special. God is special, and he isn’t as interested in our ability as in our availability, so when we offer it, he does amazing things. To him be all glory!