A Feast Day for Saint Willis

I have known some saints in my life.

My great-aunt Minnie was one. My grandmother "Dood" was, too.

The lady I call Momma, Penny, is still a saint of affirmation.

My spouse, Lauren, has a saint's patience. She should. She has to live in a house filled with me and two children.

There's more.

Saint Bill, keeper of the Baptist flame.
Saint Don the Crumudgeon of Waffle House.
Saint Nelson the Protector of "green" Youth Ministers

These saints all, I have touched and hugged.

Still there are others I have never met.
,
Saint Will the Mississipian Contrarian.
Saint Anthony the World Traveler.
Saint Fannie Lou the Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired.

They are known and not known to me.

I am a Baptist.
We talk more about the Priesthood of All Believers and the Great Cloud of Witnesses than we do saints.

We sure as hell aren't known for praying to any.

However, after today, I do believe a small altar could find its way into our home. A shrine of some sort. A tabernacle built out of appreciation.

Made for a man named Willis Carrier.

In 1902, this child of God helped create what we now know as air conditioning.

Thanks to two of his disciples who came by the last couple of days, we now have the chilling Paraclete-pushed air pouring out of our vents again.

That's worth lighting a candle for at least.

That's worth lifting a prayer to heaven.

That's worth holding a Feast Day sometime during the summer months.

We owe his holy work that much.

Y'all show Saint Willis some love.