One thing I have learned is that good friends have other good friends. This is a series of stories about “friends of my friends”. The post below is the story for November 30, 2015.
My goal in 2015 is to learn or get re-acquainted with 365 people and doing a daily post on the “the friend of a friend” is helping me get closer to my goal.
Church is a good place to have a number of emotions and the best in people get revealed. Yesterday some of those emotions and great human qualities were on display. A single father had his seven-year old son get baptized at First Presbyterian Church in Lumberton, NC.
Blake Osborne is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Colin Osborne of Lumberton. Dr Osborne is a dentist who has practiced for a long time in our communioty. Blake’s son and Dr Osborne grandson name is Carter Blake Osborne. Blake is raising Carter as a single dad and it was amazing to see the pride not only from his family but the church congregation in the sacrifices and love Blake provides his son.
The church also does more than beam with pride during a baptism ceremony. On Monday evenings a group of men from First Presbyterian Church including Thomas Johnson, Tim Page, Carlton Mansfield, Les Noble, Dr. Walt Neal, Dr. Brownie McLeod, and others provide Blake, the dad; fellowship and support a single parent’s needs.
The importance and significant of that group to Blake was evident as the group of men stood behind him as his son got baptized. That moment moved me because I realized that group of busy professional men with families of their own were giving to another dad that needed support. The emotion got stronger after Carter was baptized by Rev. David Ruth and Blake embraced each man individually.
The Friend-BLAKE OSBORNE
The Friend of the Friend-CARTER BLAKE OSBORNE
A little boy with a great dad
Carter Osborne stood in front of our church congreation prior to his baptism with poise and calmness. He was neatly dressed and smiled at his grandparents and family. He gave off an aura of being a little boy who knows he is loved and protected.
Children that act that way have to feel secure and confidant that they are valued. I never doubted for one second on Sunday morning that seven year old Carter Blake Osborne didn’t know he was truly loved and valued.
A big part of Carter demonstrating that behavior in church has to go to his dad, family, friends, and a group of men that care about children.
Thanks to Blake and Carter I had a great experience in church.
coach4aday 
Thank you, Dan,for your words and pictures. You captured the Love and Joy that was so present in yesterday’s worship service. What a cherished day for us as well as your church family. What a call to Advent: The Candle, Greenery, Wreaths,Poinsettia, the Faith and Innocence of a Child, the Love of his father, the Love and Nurture and Guidance of his Church Family, and the special men who give and live their faith walk with Blake. We are grateful and thank God for every remembrance of each of you. The Old Story of Christmas has become new again-and we don’t have to wait 27days! With Gratitude, Glenda Osborne