I once heard a pastor who was being used mightily by God say something
like “We may not know the name of the most important Christian on earth because
it’s probably not a high profile person―someone we would expect. It is most
likely an unknown older woman who is faithfully on her knees before God changing
the course of history through her prayers.”
This week we unexpectedly lost a very dear woman in our church. Her name is Betty. If
there was ever a person who changed the course of history, she did. I’ve
never known anyone who exemplified a more Godly life. No, you
probably have never heard of her, but she may have prayed for you.
Third, Betty was selfless and kind to her husband, children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, anyone who knew her and many who didn’t know her. I once
commented on how much I loved a little costume jewelry pin of a bird that she wore.
Later that day, she placed something in my hand. It was the pin. “I can’t take
this,” I said in shock. “Yes, you must. I want to give it to you,” she said.
It’s one of the most treasured things I own, not because of its monetary value,
but it’s heart value. Her kindness was exemplified in so many ways from making
sure my husband received a couple of her famous pecan squares to take home with
him after a covered dish dinner to waiting at a church door every Sunday for a
lady with a handicap so that Betty could help her safely into the building.
Having experienced one of the most crushing blows one can suffer in
this life when she lost a precious son a few years ago, she rose from the ashes
of grief to a place of beauty and strength.
Here in this time of great uncertainty, losing her is devastating. We
needed her constancy and her encouragement. We can’t imagine life without her. But
the legacy she leaves us is a strong one.
Here is what I believe Betty left us that will help us especially in
these days.
First, she was a woman who was often on her knees. If you asked her to pray,
you didn’t have to wonder if she would. The next time you saw her, she would ask about
your request. She has prayed our family through many difficult trials and made
a huge investment in our lives through those prayers. If we ever needed folks
to be faithful in prayer, it is today as we face this COVID-19 pandemic. The
days are long past to say we will pray and move on to some seemingly more exciting
endeavor. It is time to be faithful in prayer as Betty was.
Second, Betty was present with you. I recently watched the movie, It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. It
was said of Mr. Rogers that he was fully present for every person with whom he
spoke. That was Betty. She was never distracted when speaking with you. After a
conversation with her, you knew you were heard. Today, people are hurting and
one of the most important things we can do for them is to be fully engaged, listen, and not
distracted by our own agenda. People need to talk about their fears and
anxieties. Even with social distancing, we can be present on the phone or at a
safe distance.
These are the days to give for others. So sad for those who are hoarding
resources desperately needed by the medical community. But thank God for
those who are trying to meet a million mask challenge to make medical masks for
our doctors and nurses. If you don’t know about this. HERE is more info. Thank
God for those who are giving selflessly.
Fourth, Betty was faithful in small things. She once told me as she was
straightening up the church that her mother had taught her it’s a great privilege
to serve in that way―that it was an honor to clean the house of God. Betty and
her husband Reece were often the first to the church and the last to
leave. Betty prepared communion, served as a greeter, and many other jobs. She brought a joy and reverence to each task. I
have the last bulletin she gave me hanging in my office from just before the
virus hit. It will remind me that these are the days to be faithful in small
things, which often aren’t so small and to thank God for being able to serve Him in any capacity.
Fifth, Betty was a student of the Word. Her observations in small groups
always gave us something to think about and you could know that those thoughts
came from a lifelong study of the Bible. Today more than ever, we need to lean
into God’s word and let it be a “lamp unto our feet.”
When Betty’s life was drifting between life and death, Jerry and I sat
in a hospital parking lot praying, unable to enter the hospital because of
COVID-19. On the ledge in front of me, a cardinal drank from a splash of water
on the ledge. It was a female without the bright plumage of the male, and after
it drank, it bathed. There didn’t seem enough water to do that, but somehow the
bird seemed delighted in it―such a lovely thing to behold. Like
the female cardinal, Betty was not flashy by the world’s standards, but she was
incredibly beautiful, and also like it, she took delight in the smallest things.
She was thankful in each and every blessing.
So, instead of complaining about our challenges, let’s be grateful for
the blessings we have.
To say I’m going to miss Betty is a great understatement. She was often
the first face I saw when entering our church.
But as she did, we must rise out of our grief and be faithful to our
own callings. Especially in these days.
The challenge is before us. Let’s all be like Betty who aimed to be like Jesus.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful
servants” Psalm 119:15.
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