My Paisley Chair

Until I moved to Alabama in 1999, I had no point of reference for the concept of a “house divided”. I was familiar with what the Bible says about a kingdom being divided against itself with the result being – it cannot stand, as referenced in Matthew, Mark and Luke. It would make sense that if a kingdom can’t stand, then a house divided would be doomed to the same fate. How could a house possibly stand if it were divided? What I was about to encounter was, in no way spiritual, though some would disagree with that statement. At the time, I didn’t realize how invested Alabamians are in football.

R.T.R!

Upon my arrival in Alabama, as a new resident, I was asked to declare “Roll Tide Roll” or “War Eagle”, to which I replied, “Hook Em Horns”! Evidently, that was totally unacceptable in Alabama. You absolutely, with conviction, must declare which Alabama team you will side with on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The whole state shuts down for the Iron Bowl. On this one day, the state, or kingdom, of Alabama is clearly divided. The lines are drawn in no uncertain terms and cannot be crossed. Therein, we have experienced a house, a church, a community, family, even a whole state VERY divided.

There is no end to the trash talk! Bragging about rankings, comparing stats of the players (especially the QBs), and reminiscing about the glory days of The Bear and/or Saban is woven into almost every conversation throughout the season. Whether at Walmart or church, there is no escaping the constant chatter.

However, after the Iron Bowl, with all the raucous rantings and aftermath, the house still stands. No matter the outcome of the Iron Bowl, we will continue to pull for whichever team gets to represent the SEC in the championship game. Up until then, the house may be in an uproar, but when it matters most, Alabama stands together as one with the SEC.

The intensity of these rivalries was not experienced in my own home until recently. A couple of our, native-born Texan, family members all of a sudden decided to became Oklahoma University students… Let’s just say, the trash talk of Alabama doesn’t even come close to what goes on nowadays in this house divided! And again, I say, “Hook ‘Em Horns”! (And if you know David at all, you are aware that “Roll Tide Roll” still rings loud and clear here too!)

Diary Entries

This stroll down memory lane was prompted by reading my great-aunt’s diary. It revealed that my family is familiar with living in a divided house. We know about lines being drawn with deep conviction, each side remaining loyal to the end. Stories of my great-grand-parents testify to the fact that the Baird house struggled with this, though it had nothing to do with sports teams.

Great-Granddad Baird (Papa) was a hellfire and brimstone, Holy Ghost, evangelical, Pentecostal/Holiness, traveling street preacher. On several occasions he sold everything the family owned, packed up a covered wagon and traveled to regions beyond in response to God’s invitation to share the gospel. One of their first missionary journeys took them all the way to The Indian Territory, aka Oklahoma, where they first saw native Americans. “Feathers and all” as Aunt Mollie described it.

Great-Grandmother Baird (G.G. Baird) was known for her “prayer closet” which consisted of the space behind a headboard pushed kitty-corner in the bedroom. One could often find her kneeling in the corner with a tear-stained face and hankies scattered on the floor. There she conversed with her Lord, where her prayers reached the throne of God and were answered with grace and mercy. Numerous accounts of what could only be described as “divine intervention” for healing and financial provision were documented.

The Baird family was united under the banner of the Holiness Movement which continued as the cornerstone of the Baird family.  Not only their lifestyle, but also their dress code set them apart as they endured years of ridicule regarding their “sanctification”. Accusations of thinking themselves more holy and sanctified than others, the Baird children were teased by classmates. They were burdened with nicknames like “Ole Sanky” and required by both peers and teachers to publicly defend their faith and family.

It was when Papa was injured in a railroad accident and sent to the hospital in Fort Worth that he was introduced to Pentecostalism. It was there he first heard about miracles of divine healing happening at a Pentecostal tent revival nearby. The house became divided when Papa “fell in with” the Pentecostals. In 1913, under the ministry of Bro. E.N. Richey, Papa was baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. The house divided – but stood firm.

It’s almost impossible to imagine a house divided along lines of a personal pursuit of pleasing God. It was of great concern to G. G. Baird that Papa might lose his sanctification, even while he experienced a new freedom in worship, speaking in tongues and answers to prayer. Evidently a word too harshly spoken, or outburst of anger could cost someone their sanctification. (Mercy! I’m in big trouble!)

A House United

Papa and G.G. Baird continued their journey for years agreeably disagreeing on some issues, yet completely and peaceably in unity about what matters most. A house UNITED in Jesus Christ!

The diary entries didn’t address what we would consider major moral issues. Rather, it was the interactions of everyday life that captured their attention. Character qualities were the focus. Holiness wasn’t painted with broad strokes, such as we are accustomed to, but more like the fine lines of an artist’s brush that fill in the smallest details of life. If G.G. Baird could adorn herself with jewelry, such as her wedding band, was a matter of concern. White long sleeve shirts were a must for men and hairstyles reflecting modesty a must for women. Losing one’s temper with an animal, much less a child, would be reason to repent and seek forgiveness.

At the end of the day, what caused the Baird house to stand strong was their love for God, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit. Prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with a community of believers were woven into the fabric of their lives. Constant pursuit of a life well lived, pleasing God according to scripture, was the end goal.

“Holy” Trash Talk

There’s no place for “holiness” trash talking, sanctification bragging rights, or statistical sin comparison such as is witnessed at sporting events, because our testimony and spiritual health are not a game. I’ve witnessed families competing with each other over all sorts of things that in light of eternity won’t even matter. What if we tried a “can you top this holiness” competition? Just a thought.

What an incredible thing it would be for the body of Christ (house of God) to come together in unity and live a life of holiness according to biblical instructions. Even in areas of disagreement, we would find ways to pursue relationship with each other and journey together as a house undivided under the banner of Christ.  

Questions I Ask Myself:

• How do I respond when others don’t agree with or even discount my personal convictions?
• Why does it feel like my great-grandparent’s convictions are out of step with reality today? Doesn’t True North remain the same on a moral compass?
• What if they were right? In a world that lacks restraint, how can I better direct my attention to the details of holiness?  
• Am I willing to endure misunderstanding and remove from my life anything that may not please God?