“My dad (Jimmy Lee Hill Sr.) was larger than life! His legacy of love for our family, church, community, and the world is extraordinary. He traveled every Saturday to the local prison to share the gospel. On Sundays and Wednesdays he preached at church. He also sent money to countries that were in desperate need. So many people were drawn to him because he was an esteemed spiritual leader in our small community. But I felt that I had to vie for his attention and affection way too often. I wanted him to just be my dad.
At his funeral three girls came up to me and said, ‘Thank you for sharing your dad with us.’ They said they didn’t have a dad growing up, and if it hadn’t been for my dad covering, taking care of, protecting, and providing for them, they probably wouldn’t have made it. What these three incredible women of God said released me from the bondage of hurt, jealousy, and resentment I carried around for years.
While sifting through my dad’s things, I felt drawn to keep this African outfit. When he wore it, he would tear the church down with his preaching! I am honored to be his daughter. I am blessed that I shared him with the world. I’ve never worn this before today. I don’t think that I will ever wear it again. I want today to represent the day I let go and gave all those negative feelings over to my heavenly Father.
What an amazing man my dad was when you consider his humble beginnings as a poor, uneducated black child. He later graduated from college with a degree in finance (magna cum laude). It just goes to show that God will use what you are, where you are, and what you have to expand His kingdom. My dad’s life inspires me to do more, so I can continue his legacy of love.”