James And Mary Penney Faithful Shepherds
Faithful Loving Shepherds
AN APOLOGY AND AN EXPLANATION: Just a few short weeks ago, I posted a tribute to James and Mary Penney. Many folks commented on how much they admired this godly couple from our church family. Then, somehow that post disappeared. I worked with my web site’s administrators, but they could not find it—I most probably did something crazy which triggered the disappearance—but technically it remains a mystery. So, this week’s post is a repeat effort to honor this faithful couple who so powerfully impacted our church and most especially, the little ones among us.
I WILL CALL THEM SHEPHERDS
I will call them gentle shepherds
for their hearts so love to gather
all those precious little ones
and place them full of joy
into His outstretched arms
filled with strength and with love
both to welcome and to hold them.
I will call them searching shepherds
for their eyes are always seeking
as they call and whistle, searching
even on the darkest evenings
while shadows seem to gather
threatening the blessed children
wandering alone in the wilderness.
I will call them loving shepherds
for their hearts will never rest
until all His precious little ones
gather close around Him who
Himself lives as their Good Shepherd—
calling out their precious names,
welcoming them up in His lap.
Matthew 19:13-15 ESV
Then the children were brought to him
that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
The disciples rebuked the people,
but Jesus said,
“Let the little children come to me
and do not hinder them,
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
And he laid his hands on them
and went away.
I praise God for people like James and Mary Penney who take to heart Jesus’ command, “Let the little children come to me . . .” Such couples humbly yet faithfully build the Kingdom of God for the future. They introduced many young and open hearts to the loving care of Jesus our Savior.
James in the Navy
James had been raised in Hokes Bluff, along with three brothers and sisters. He grew up on the “Penney Farm” now used by the Board of Education for agricultural education. At seventeen he followed in his brother’s footsteps to join the Navy. After serving during World War II, including a time at Okinawa, he returned home to Hokes Bluff and met Mary at a picnic. They fell in love and married. They moved to Birmingham where he worked at Merita Bakery, where their oldest son, Jimmy, was born; and after two years moved back to Hokes Bluff. He worked at Hackett Engineering, associated with the Steel Plant until he retired. They built a home on Marker Avenue in Glencoe, where they raised Jimmy, Mike, Nila and Norma. They also had seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Mary Always Had
A Heart For Children
Mary had been the oldest of four children. She lost her mother when she was only eight. Her Dad worked as a carpenter; so she had to, in effect, act as the mother for the younger children. Her grandmother did help some, but Mary bore the main responsibility. Those were hard years for her, and she obviously built on her strength in the midst of that childhood difficulty to develop a great big heart of love for children.
Nila definitely remembers how her Mother prayed for and loved her own children. Nila also declares she never heard her Mom say anything negative about anyone. Those of us who were privileged to know her, can certainly testify to her loving and caring attitude toward everyone, but especially the children in her church and community.
James and Mary And Family
At Glencoe First Baptist Church James was a deacon and also worked with R.A.’s. Folks at Church truly enjoyed his tenor voice. One long-time member confessed she always sat near him so she could hear him sing. As a tenor in the choir, he inspired and enlisted other men to sing along with him. Mary participated actively, not only in children’s work, but also in G.A.’s, WMU (missions support activities) along with Vacation Bile School, and the Backyard Bible Clubs in various neighborhoods around Glencoe. I recall myself, how when I was directing the Summer Missions Program for the Etowah Baptist Association, Mary and James hosted one of our summer missionaries, treating her to lots of love and godly encouragement, of course.
Mary spent years working under Lois Pruitt in the kindergarten, and then moved into the Director’s Position. She studied at Samford University for this work. She led this ministry until she retired. In addition to her godly and loving leadership of the Kindergarten, she played a pivotal role in beginning and supporting the Children’s Church Ministry at our Church back in the late 1970’s. I had the privilege of working with her and Carolyn Snead in that ministry. I saw firsthand how deeply she loved God, how deeply she loved children, and how effectively she shared the love of Jesus with each and every one of them.
James and Mary also enjoyed their church family. He especially enjoyed the worship, while she found many wonderful Christian sisters. For instance, she and Louise Gray really enjoyed praying and fellowshipping together. I just have to say: Pity the hard-hearted sinner who had these two wonderful servants of the Lord praying for them. How blessed they were to have each other as Christian sisters and prayer warriors together.
Our Church Honors
Mary’s Ministry
Mary suffered a stroke when she was sixty-two, which slowed her down, but she lived until she was seventy-five at home with James. She did get back to church, and always had big hugs and bigger smiles for everyone. James and Mary bore the Presence of Jesus in their lives with such a genuine faith. God surely used them for His Glory. We praise God for them, all of us who had their lives so blessed by their faith.
Now, this is love
and appreciation!
