My Sunday started out like any other day. I woke up and wanted to make sure that my pants matched my shirt and shoes. I wanted to eat breakfast before we left to go to Sunday school at 9 a.m. I was staying the summer with my grandparents in Beckley, West Virginia. My grandmother was a strongly religious woman. People called her Ms. Vi, pronounced (vee-eye).
It was the first weekend that I was in town. I am from Washington, D.C., and I loved going to the country—to get away from city life and to hang out with my cousins. God knows there was a bunch of them—first cousins at that. It was me, my cousin Dawn, and our second cousin Jerome, but he liked to be called Doug. I do not know why, because Doug was not a part of his name, just something he grew up with and liked, I guess.
We crammed into my grandmother’s station wagon, and she played gospel music along the way. Doug, Dawn, and I would snicker and look at each other each time Grandma tried to hit a note like she heard on the radio. We were 8, 9, and 9½, and we had respect. We could not tell my grandmother—and Doug’s great aunt that she could not sing. So, we listened. Thank goodness the church was only three miles down the road.
Before we got out of the car, Grandmother told us to listen to the lesson and learn from it. Then, she said she wanted to know from each of us what the scripture or passage for the week meant to us. We all answered at once, “Yes, ma’am,” and we ran to our class before it got started. We were five minutes early.
Our instructor was an 18-year member of the church, Brother Cruz. He was not afraid to share his convictions and how the Lord saved him and placed him on this path to teach. Our lesson that day was, “Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping” — 1 Corinthians 16:13.
This passage calls us to live courageously and faithfully stayingalert, standing firm in what we believe, putting our whole effort into life’s journey, and loving others without limits.
Brother Cruz gave us a powerful message. He told us he was once on the streets of New York City, and he was lost. The family turned their backs on him. Friends were only around when he was giving them what they wanted, and they disappeared when he was broke. He began to cry and testify, urging us to stay away from drugs, alcohol, and partying because those things only satisfy the body for a short time. He encouraged us to seek God’s tender mercy and stay strong in the faith.
Brother Cruz emphasized that some things may look harmless but can lead you down the wrong road. Then tears flowed down his eyes like a calm stream, so we knew something was bothering him. But the tone he used to teach us was stern yet subtle. I got a tingling through my body, and I listened to every word that came from his mouth, attentively.
He said once you are out of a bad situation or circumstance, don’t get caught off guard by people, places, or situations that could drag you back into old habits. I learned in that one lesson that recovery opens your eyes to truths you may have ignored — about yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
Mr. Cruz told us that my grandmother was the only one who believed in him and introduced him to the path of recovery and redemption. He said that when he first came to the church, people looked at him with judgment because he wore dirty clothes and had a strong odor. Some people laughed at him and spoke vile things under their breath. But Ms. Vi was probably immune to his smell—and she didn’t care about his clothes. She didn’t pay attention to those that were mumbling in the pulpit.
Mr. Cruz told us, “Never blame anyone in your life. You will find happiness in good people. You will find lessons in the worst people. But you will find blessings from the best people—because they give you good memories.”
As he wiped his tears away, Dawn, Doug, and I were deeply touched. After service, we went home like normal, but we were all silent, thinking about Brother Cruz. Grandma said to us, “You young’uns are quiet? That’s not like y’all, especially when you get around each other.” We looked at each other and still didn’t say a word.
It was a special Sunday where the men of God would come and eat at our grandmother’s house. She made a big meal, and her house was full about an hour after church. We were led inprayer, we ate, and we were all quite satisfied.
Before we got up from the table, my grandmother asked us what we learned. Dawn and Doug looked at me—I was chosen to be the spokesperson. I looked at Brother Cruz and thanked him because he had given us a message that made even children think deeply.
I began to speak: “We learned that whatever you decide — to stay clean, to be better, to do better — never let go of that conviction. We live in a chaotic world, especially when temptation creeps into our space. But keep the faith, because your convictions will keep you grounded. The world may still see the ‘old you,’ but your convictions define who you are becoming. Even when it’s hard, even when no one else understands, hold onto what you know is right.”
I glanced at Brother Cruz and continued: “He told us how he came to the church and heard the mumblings, but he chose to forgive those who spoke ill of him. He also lifted you up, Grandma. I may be nine years old, but I know from his story that God used you as a vessel. So, thank you too, Grandma.”
Everyone at the table was astounded by the words coming from my mouth. There was not a dry eye—only sobbing and loud cries thanking God.
But I went on and said, “What does love mean? To me, it means compassion, forgiveness, patience, kindness, and respect. Then I looked at Brother Cruz and asked, “What does ‘without stopping’ mean to you?”
“Well,” I continued, “Brother Cruz, based on what you taught us, it means this: Consistency. Yes, love isn’t just a moment — it’s practice. Keep being resilient, even when others fail you or when you feel empty. But don’t give up. Keep showing love, which is an unconditional effort — one that’s not based on what you get in return but given openly because it’s who you are.”
I looked at my grandmother and said, “Grandma, you heard the mumblings, but you stayed steadfast to your purpose by offering grace — while still protecting your peace. You didn’t say anything to those folks. You kept your head high and fulfilled your mission. Brother Cruz, you chose not to become bitter from the pain you faced from the mumblings—and look at you now.”
“And this is something for all of the church to hear: being there for your kids, family, or friends—even when they don’t understand your journey—is a key attribute to God.”
From that day on, I learned to love and treat my neighbor with kindness—because Jehovah God loves me. He allows me to love others, and through that love, they can see His shine.
Study Guide: From Mumblings to Mercy: A Child’s Reflection
By McArthur Williams
Introduction
This story explores themes of faith, redemption, resilience, forgiveness, and the power of conviction through the eyes of a child. It highlights how personal transformation is rooted in steadfast belief and how love and grace can uplift even the most broken.
Reading Objectives
• Understand the core message about conviction and forgiveness.
• Reflect on personal challenges and spiritual growth.
• Discuss the role of faith in overcoming adversity.
• Identify ways to apply lessons of love and mercy in daily life.
Key Themes
1. Conviction and Faithfulness
Holding onto your convictions even in a chaotic world.
2. Redemption and Forgiveness
Choosing forgiveness over bitterness despite hardship.
3. Love as a Consistent Practice
Love is ongoing and unconditional, not dependent on others’ responses.
4. Grace and Steadfastness
Offering grace while protecting your peace.
5. Community and Support
Being there for family and friends even when they don’t understand your journey.
Discussion Questions
1. What does the phrase “keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions” mean in your own life?
2. How did Brother Cruz’s story inspire the narrator and the other children?
3. In what ways did Grandma’s response to the church’s “mumblings” model grace and strength?
4. How can we practice love without stopping in difficult relationships or situations?
5. Have you ever experienced judgment or exclusion like Brother Cruz? How did your faith help you respond?
6. What does “consistency” in love look like in everyday actions?
7. How can this story encourage children and adults differently?
8. What lessons can churches learn from this story about welcoming and supporting people facing struggles?
Reflective Activities
• Personal Reflection: Write about a time when your convictions were challenged. How did you respond?
Scripture
1 Corinthians 16:13 — “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
• Discuss how this verse relates to the story’s message about conviction and steadfastness.
Application Challenge
• This week, practice showing love without stopping. Choose one relationship or situation where you will intentionally offer patience, kindness, or forgiveness. Journal how this changes your perspective.