Regarding the chrono order of these docs, to the best of my memory it goes something like this:

Then, of course, my Request for Baptism

Tiger and Baptism and A Little Allegory thrown in for yuks. In case it is not obvious, both allegories are complete fiction. The non-fictional Tiger Woods and Mississippi floods of 1989 were chosen for their iconic communicative power alone.

My deep and eternal gratitude to Ray Maldonado, Tom Maluga, and Jon Pennington: extraordinary pastors who did not compel me against my conscience however we may have disagreed (and continue to disagree!) on this issue. And of course Ma, who had me baptized ASAP after birth and made sure I was brought up in the way I should go, instilling the faith that validates any baptism. You have been my blessing.

PaiX,

--M

P.S.

Here’s what my MS Lutheran ma had to say about my Baptist baptism:

“CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WATER BAPTISM/ THE SPIRIT BROUGHT TEARS OF JOY”

Now THIS is what the Kingdom is all about!

--M