Skip Navigation

Back

What If's

November 02, 2020
By Doris Plummer

At least two or three times per week, I have a momentary flashback of the joyous smile of Dave Davis, for whom the Davis Wing is named.  As I walk into the AIM rooms there, I envision Dave walking these halls marvelling at what is currently going on in this place that meant so much to him.  He would be thrilled to see the students’ work, to listen to their stories, to hear them recite Scripture.  Dave was an avid photographer, so I am sure that he would have his camera, snapping shots of the students and creating bonds with them.

Recently while reading through a brief biography of Dave Davis, I was reminded of some circumstances that arose in his young life that could have had a negative impact.  Both of Dave’s parents died while he was in his first year of college at Vanderbilt.  As a result, he transferred back to Carolina to be near to his home.  However, money ran out at the end of his second year, so he had to go to work.  He got a job with the highway department in Raleigh, which resulted in a transfer to Salisbury, where he met his wife.  It was here that he also began working with a Catawba professor who got him assigned to the Manhattan Project.  But it was also here that God would later put it on his heart, along with two dear friends, to begin a church and then a Christian school.  It was also here that he celebrated many birthdays with the students of North Hills Christian School… while the Lord blessed him with 100 years on this earth before calling him home.

What if Dave’s life had taken a different turn?  What if his parents hadn’t died when he was a freshman?  What if he hadn’t come to Salisbury?  What if he hadn’t been faithful to follow God in founding NHCS, leaving this wonderful legacy behind?  What if he had allowed his circumstances to cloud his testimony?  Dave’s life is a wonderful reflection of Isaiah 61:7 - “He gives beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for mourning, and peace for despair.”  I will forever hear his positive remarks, see his radiant smile, and reflect on the joy that he brought to everyone.  Dave had a wonderful way of making the most of every situation, always giving glory to God and refusing to take glory himself.  He faithfully shared the Gospel with anyone who would listen, using opportunities to offer his wood-working skills to build bridges and establish relationships.  

So many people allow the “what-if’s” of life to keep them from making the most of their opportunities.  They use their circumstances as excuses rather than seeing the possibilities.  But Dave trusted God with his whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and he had a deep concern for the salvation of others. That legacy remains, years after his earthly life, as the ministry of NHCS continues to impact young people.  This legacy reminds me of a line from a poem written by C.T. Studd, missionary to China and Africa in the early 1900’s:

“Only one life ‘twill soon be passed.  Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
 

Minds:
Take a moment to listen to the words of “Blessings” by Laura Story (or just Google them and read them).  What are the trials in your life that God may actually be using as blessings?

If you trust God to use them for His glory, how might they become part of your legacy?   How might God then be able to use you to impact others?

Hearts:
Pray that God would open your eyes to opportunities and your heart to service, that you would make the most of what days you have here on this earth.  If you are going through a trial right now, pray that God will show you how to see it as a “blessing” in His great plan for your life.

Jayne W Queen says:
November 06, 2020 09:47 AM CST
Mrs. Plummer, I, too, recall Mr. Davis's contagious smile! My first encounter with him was several years prior to our attendance at NHCS. I used to own the home across the street from the soccer field, and one day found a Bible in the upper ditch, in pieces, that I later found out had blown off the roof of Mr. Davis's car! He had placed it on the roof and had forgotten it when he drove away from North Hills, landing in my ditch!! Luckily, I was able to find his name and phone number inside his Bible. That was the beginning of a fond friendship; what I will always remember from that encounter was his kindness and his love of our Lord! Years later, and our last time spent together shortly before he passed into Glory, Katie and I took him on a "tour" of the Christmas lights around the area.....he truly enjoyed our time looking at the lights, and was so enjoyable to spend time with him. We ended our evening as I recall getting ice cream through the drive-thru! I truly enjoyed that time together! His legacy will truly live on for many years to come! ....."What If" I had never found his Bible?