Written by distinguished preacher and storyteller, Fred Craddock, this book gives insight into his life as a young boy and what led him to his calling as a preacher. Craddock has an inviting writing style filled with stories to captivate his readers.
Excerpt from Reflections on My Call to Preach
“I was perhaps sixteen, near seventeen, when first I felt stirrings toward the
pulpit. One Sunday afternoon I privately shared the movement of my mind and
heart in that direction [with my father]. He listened and then cautioned me that
the decision was a big one and that I should not be too much influenced by
heartwarming youth rallies or worship services. I told him I would take my time; I
wanted to be sure. He said simply, ‘Good, son,’ and we left it at that.
“What did I want from him? Approval? Confirmation? Hallelujah? Maybe I was
seeking help in deciding, or maybe I wanted him to decide for me? I don’t know.
Maybe he was disappointed. He was in the army in World War I and now sons
number one and number two were in World War II as airman and sailor. Did son
number three considering the ministry translate as wimpy and avoiding his first
duty? I don’t know. When I was closer to certainty as to my call, I told him. He
shook my hand, looked at me with emotion-filled eyes, and said not a word.”
