The Last Clap
by Pam Ford Davis
03/30/25

Everyone desires approval.

You might not sing, play an instrument or act upon the stage or screen. Yet, approval makes your day. Husbands, you can brag on your wife’s cooking or give her a peck on the cheek after finishing her well prepared meal. Wives, why not tell your husband how much you appreciate his pumping your gas? Little things do mean a lot and deserve recognition.

Approval builds strong family relationships. That approval should begin with parents praising their children, no matter the child’s age. It will then be picked up and carried on through the children. Mom and dad can praise their children for completing their chores or reaching scholastic goals. In return, their children realize more and more all that their parents have done for them. Those clean clothes in drawers and closets didn’t just appear. Mom did their laundry.

Clap your hands; give someone a big round of applause!

The clapping of Bobby Miller (born in 1928) has stopped but will never be forgotten. Our friend Bobby recently passed over into glory and was honored by a celebration of life funeral service. He always enthusiastically applauded the special music of the Epps Baptist choir and soloists.

Others in the congregation clapped too but it was Mr. Bobby that had the last clap. It was as if he had the last word; gave the last affirmation of approval.

Listen…

Is that clapping that I hear?

Bobby has received God’s approval for a life well lived.

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master (Matthew 25:21 ESV).”