Fathers and Sons event triumphs over rains
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH Editor

Willie Lacy III presents a trophy to U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert. At left, Pastor Willie Lacy Jr. and his grandsons visit with the congressman.

Early morning storms and lingering rains threatened Saturday's Fathers and Sons day, but couldn't sink the firsttime event.

Despite moving the location from outdoors to indoors and having a lower turnout than expected, the enthusiasm of the organizers remained, and the outlook was optimistic.

"I think we're all just thankful for finding an alternative location at the last minute," said one woman, reflecting the prevailing "look on the bright side" attitude.

Pastor Willie Lacy Jr. admits to some initial uncertainty when the weather refused to cooperate with the original plan for an outdoor community-wide picnic - complete with three-legged races, horseshoes and a threepoint contest - but he found inspiration in the most appropriate of places … his son and his father.

"I really have to thank my son and give him credit. He really convinced us to go ahead," said the pastor of Lighthouse of Prayer Church. "I thank God for my son Willie and for his having the heart to reach out and touch lives."

The son in question, Willie Lacy III, is also credited as being the visionary for the Fathers and Sons concept.

As to his own father's input, Pastor Lacy told those attending that when he found himself feeling frustrated about the weather, he remembered his dad's fondness for saying, "it's not raining in me, it's raining on me."

He found his optimism again by focusing on the occasion and the reason for their event. "That's what it's all about," he said.

Originally scheduled for the ballfields, the event found a new home at the Troup library, a homecoming of sorts as the Lighthouse church met there for three years before finding its own location.

With the grill covered by a canopy in the parking lot, Willie split his time between turning burgers and trying to get the word out about the new location. Both Lacys thanked the small but faithful crowd that turned out.

"We had so many people help out as sponsors and so many prizes that we were going to give out for the games," said Willie. "I think I should give a trophy to everybody who showed up."

Congressman Louie Gohmert joins some of the fathers and sons outside the Troup library. "There's a lot of enthusiasm for Mother's Day," said Pastor Willie Lacy Jr. "On Father's Day, the air goes out of the balloon."

One person who did come, despite receiving a call that the event had moved and would likely be smaller than expected, was U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert.

The congressman congratulated Pastor Lacy on his efforts and applauded his ministry and his devotion to the community.

"That's what Jesus taught: love God and love each other," said Rep. Gohmert, "and that's what any father wants, what our Heavenly Father wants. Nobody will get a better gift than that."

Canopies allowed organizers to proceed with the plan for an outdoor cookout. At left is Willie Lacy III and wife Lynna.