Who is Dawn Ray?

My grandfather’s name was Donald Ray, and I was given the middle name Dawn after him. It was my grandfather who influenced me to know more about God. As I reflect back and think of my Grandfather I remember a few things: I remember watching evangelists on TV (mostly Billy Graham). I remember listening to talk radio and hearing sermons play as we drove from place to place. I remember watching him journal and write down his thoughts daily. His bible was tethered and worn, full of notes, highlighter and colored pencil. He never knew a stranger; and everywhere we went, he found an opportunity to share stories and relate to others. 

At the time, I was a small child, I didn’t know what I experiencing, watching, or listening too. If I would have had my way; we would have been watching cartoons, listening to music, and not taking all day just to go to the store.  

As I look at my own life, I smile in memory of my Grandfather because it is all those things that I find myself doing today. My children often say, “Mom can we listen to something else, it is always about God, “ and I have yet to be on time to something because I would rather be learning and sharing with anyone I can, just as my grandfather did. I never would have thought that what I was experiencing as a small child would somehow change my life.  

I have often been referred to as Ray, as in a ray of sunshine. Some would say it is due to my positive outlook on life, while others may tell you it is because my tag lines, Shine Bright or Enjoy the Sunshine! For me, when I think of Ray, I think of all these things, I think of my Grandfather, and I think of the light that shines through me, God’s light. The light that I pray for each day, a light that radiates daily so that others will somehow experience the peace, love, hope, and joy that I do each day.

Thank you for taking the time to read about me, Shine Bright and be light!