Faith That Holds You Up

Scripture:  

"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." — Psalm 71:18 (NIV)

Devotional:  

These days there's no reason to wear suspenders—unless they’re Barry’s. A bold red pair, thick with memory and meaning, packed and unpacked for decades as a keepsake of someone special. Until one day, they were worn. And suddenly, they became more than clothing. They became a testimony.

Barry’s suspenders aren’t just fabric—they’re faith in action. They symbolize the strength it takes to show up, to pour into teenagers, to serve humbly and speak boldly. Barry didn’t just wear faith on his sleeve—he wore it strapped across his chest.

Like a cross between John Denver and the Brawny Paper Towel man, Barry was a man of the earth and a man of God. Through workcamps, his garden, and tall tales, Barry mentored with his hands and his heart. He embodied the fruit of a life rooted in Christ—still bearing witness in the teens he once led and the stories that now live on through them.

I was not one of those teens. But I was still lucky. I knew the Barry who kept serving even when his strength was fading. Who showed up during COVID. Who made space in his home for the holy work of hospitality. He didn’t need to change who he was to share God’s love. He just needed to be Barry.

Takeaway:  

God can use suspenders, calloused hands, and warm smiles to build the kingdom. Who are you pouring into? What small tokens in your life—perhaps dusty and overlooked—might actually be tools of testimony?

Prayer:  

Lord, thank You for the Barrys in our lives—people who invest in others with bold faith and quiet service. Teach me to be someone who passes on Your love with intention and humility. Let my faith be seen not in showiness, but in steadfastness. Amen.