Preaching to you only once a year is not an easy task -- so I spend a great deal of time simply seeking to discern what message God desires to speak through me. In that discernment process -- involving a lot of prayer and reflection -- my memory served me well. The Holy Spirit brought to my mind an experience I had here in Memphis. Since it was an experience worth remembering and since it happened here, I have an idea I shared it with this congregation when it happened. Didn’t I always share the important things going on in my life?

I remember it as though it were yesterday. I was driving east on Poplar Avenue when I noticed a bumper sticker on the car in front of me. The large letters said, “I AM A GENERIC CHRISTIAN.” Well, that got my attention. I never thought about anyone being a gene…