|
|
|
|
Encouraging women, encouraging words
SHE came into my life as a summer daycare provider and promptly walked into my heart as a friend and sister in Christ. I did not know of the challenging days that lay ahead, but God was already putting into place the support I would need to move through the next decade. Over the next ten years my husband faced multiple health issues-a protracted recovery from a burst appendix and physical disability brought on by multiple car accidents. In between these heart-wrenching events, my father became ill and died. Against this emotional backdrop that ranged from grief to exhaustion, I always knew I could count on my friend to get to the heart of the matter and put my troubles in perspective. She sensed when I was struggling and would share the particular words I needed. -Paula Sugg, Evansville, IN
Jeanne was widowed at an early age, recovered from a serious auto accident, lovingly cared for her aging parents, then spent 12 years patiently caring for my ailing father-in-law. Following his death, she once again became involved in church and community activities. She has the most positive attitude of anyone I know, and God's love shines through her. Ella has also been widowed for many years. She has dealt with medical problems and family problems, but she never forgets God is with her. She counts her blessings and loves her life, but is ready to join her loved ones in heaven at any time. -Deb Gunderson, Scottville, MI TWO years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in two surgeries and the inevitable chemotherapy. I remember still the evening after surgery when our pastor came and shared some wonderful verses of peace and comfort from the Gospel of John. The following months were filled with reminders of God's love in my life. One wonderful lady from church sat with me and held my head while I was sick, and then patiently fed me more ice that managed to stay down. When I was burned from the chemo and medications, many ladies from church called. Then there was the memorable weekend when the energy was gone, and I looked awful with the burns. One lady called and said, "I see you are scheduled to do coffee at church this Sunday; would it be okay if I did the coffee for you this week?" About an hour later, another sweet lady called: "I see you have altar duty this weekend; would it be okay if I did that for you?" I don't think these ladies know how much their calls and offers to help meant to me. Often times it's the littlest things that have the biggest meaning. -Mary Feldman, Logan, UT MARY has encouraged me and many others to share Jesus. Nearly 30 years ago Mary saw the need to reach out to our community to spread God's love through music. She and other LWML members began a monthly sing-a-long at a local nursing home. Although Mary has moved closer to family in Arizona, we still go to Patriots' Ridge to share the love of Jesus. Mary has been a wonderful teacher, mentor and prayer partner. -Edna A. England , Fairborn, OH WHEN I was 17, I was signed up to go to a weekend Bible retreat. Although my mother had been recently diagnosed with cancer and given three weeks to live, she encouraged me to go. She told me there was nothing more important in life than learning the love of the Lord. So I went. On my second day at the retreat, I received a phone call to come home; Mom might not make it through the night. The next morning she died as she held my hand. Even in her last minute of life, she was praising the Lord. -Connie Krueger, Deer Park, WI
-Linda Ault, Clinton, WI MY grandmother taught me confidence in the face of trials as she relied on Christ. She survived two bouts with cancer that resulted in two mastectomies. The cure ruined her digestive tract, and she had to be fed through a plastic tube permanently inserted in her stomach. But she still managed to roll out of bed each morning, ignoring aches and pains, to sit at the table with her husband and read the Bible before prayers of thanksgiving. -Sherryl Berg-Ridenour TWO Joans have encouraged me. The first Joan, my godmother, was always talking about Jesus to everyone. The second Joan loved the Lord and loved to teach His Word. She encouraged me to lead our society's Bible study. After supplying material, she told me what a fine job I did. God led me from that small group to being a discussion leader and children's leader in Bible Study Fellowship. But the real growth came planning, writing and leading workshops and retreats as zone and district Christian Growth Chairman. -Sandie Harjala, Knoxville, TN MY friend Wendy is a beautiful example of a Christian woman. She has a servant's heart and a strong compassion for those who are grieving. She and I had babies due at the same time. Sadly, her child died during a miscarriage, while my child is now seven years old. Even before my daughter was born, Wendy prepared a frozen meal and delivered it shortly after the birth. Wendy continues to reach out to other families who have experienced miscarriage. Wendy's example has encouraged me to reach out in love as well. -Paula Krause, Eden Prairie, MN IF a task was out of my comfort zone, I would say "That's not my gift!" Then along came Sue. Through her strong but gentle leadership she taught me that God has a plan for me and that LWML has a place for me. Like a mother bird she has forced me out of my comfort zone, pushed me off and taught me to soar. -Jennifer Dean, Bend, OR MY 91-year-old mother received her crown of glory this year. Missed letters and phone reminders from my "prayer warrior" created a void in me. On Mother's Day my siblings and I traveled to our parents' childhood church. Leaving the service we met Jesse, an elderly woman who had been a classmate of my parents. While telling of experiences with my folks, she shared her faith with strong words of encouragement that brought us tears of joy. Jesse played a part in God's plan to renew us in His grace. -Virginia Duenckel, Jefferson City, MO |
|
|
I AM continually encouraged by two
wonderful Christian women. Both are in their 80s, but their love
for the Lord is ageless. One is my mother-in-law, Jeanne. The
other is Ella, a member of our church.
MY
husband and I are caregivers for his mother, 19 hours a day on
weekdays and 24 on weekends. Every day seems to push my stress
level, but the Lord knew this time would come and sent a special
friend into my life. We have been LWML sisters for years, but
it is now that I fully see the significance of her God-given
friendship. She helps me deal with everything involved in being
a caregiver and constantly helps me remain focused on the Lord.
She listens, encourages, lets me know I am not alone and reminds
me that God knows, understands and forgives.