By Ralphine Major

When I look at them, I see compassion. Dedication. Respect.  I  see comfort. Contentment. Devotion.  I see smiles. Laughter. And love.

Larry Bohanan snapped this picture of Jim and Lib McCluskey at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church last December.   As Pastor Emeritus, Jim had given the opening remarks for The Living Christmas Tree.  The McCluskeys’ thirty-seven years in the ministry at Wallace Memorial touched thousands of lives.  Someone told me that one Sunday School teacher who taught a class of young boys said had it not been for Lib encouraging him, he would never have accepted the responsibility.

Last year Lib suffered a stroke, but through prayer, rehab, and lots of loving care from her family, the McCluskeys have hardly missed a beat from their routine.  They can be seen regularly at church and still do some traveling.  Even in their sickness, they continue to be role models for all ages by their show of strength, inspiration, and above all—love!  I wondered what the McCluskeys’ favorite Bible verse is.  So, I asked them.  Not surprising, this is what they shared.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Hhim should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)

When I look at this picture of Lib and Jim McCluskey, I see peace. I see joy. I see love!