08/31/2026
MY HEART IS SO FULL TONIGHT. ❤️
As I sit here thinking about today, I really don't know if I have the words to express everything I feel.
Today was simply AMAZING.
There were moments when I looked around and just took it all in—the people, the music, the laughter, the food, the fellowship, the love—and thought, “Wow…all of this love is being poured into me.” And I am grateful.
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Long and Bishop David E. Evans, Sr., thank you for coming and pouring into me. Your words inspired me, encouraged me, and reminded me to keep going. I needed what you shared with me today more than you probably know.
And the music ministry! Whew! You blessed my whole soul! ❤️
One of the sweetest parts of the day was seeing people from different chapters of my life all in one place.
My Tuskegee friends came! ❤️ That meant so much to me.
Then I looked around and saw friends I've met since God brought me to Tuscaloosa—people who didn't know me before this chapter but have embraced me, supported me, encouraged me, and showed up today just to bless me.
And somehow, in the middle of celebrating old friendships and current friendships, new friendships were being formed.
That's beautiful to me.
To everyone who prepared the food, cooked, served, decorated, carried things, set everything up outside, cleaned, organized, and handled all of those little details that most people never see—THANK YOU. The food was delicious, the decorations were gorgeous, and everything was prepared with so much love.
And then there were the gifts, the treasures, the cards, the hugs, the words, the smiles, the prayers and all the little surprises throughout the day. I appreciate every single expression of love.
But what touched me most wasn't what I received in my hands.
It was what I felt in my heart.
Today reminded me that God has allowed some beautiful people to cross my path throughout this journey. Some have known me for years. Some have only known me since I came to Tuscaloosa. Some I am just beginning to know.
But today, you all came together and loved on me.
And for someone who is so accustomed to pouring into everybody else, today I allowed myself to simply receive the love.
Tonight, I'm tired—but it's a good tired. 😊
I'm smiling.
I'm grateful.
I'm encouraged.
And most of all…
my heart is full. ❤️
Thank you for an absolutely beautiful Pastoral Appreciation Day.
I will treasure this day for a very long time.
I love and appreciate you all.
— Rev. Kendra Walker-Jacobs
