Trusting God
If you asked them what their greatest contributions are these women would probably pause and smile, maybe laugh a little and then sit and think carefully how to answer you. I feel sure that none of their answers would really cover how far-reaching their influence has been in the lives of the many people who have known them, been led by them or just bought groceries in line behind them over the years they have lived in the small town of Thomasville. They probably have no idea how many lives they've touched and continue to touch directly through their lives of service in their community and especially in their church. They have prayed and given and prayed and given time, money, hugs, cards, casseroles, listening ears, letters and advice. They have guided children, young people and young women. They have been my teachers, mothers of my friends, women who I've simply observed over the years. One was my first leader in youth group when I was in junior high (her husband was the first to call me Donna Dear and gave suitable nicknames to my other friends with double initials). One has known me even before I began life in T'ville and I spent so many hours playing on the side while she, my mother and other friends drank coffee (to the point that when I answered that when I grew up I wanted to get married, drink coffee with my friends and let our children play nearby.) And one was the nurse to my doctor from the time I was in second grade to...I hardly know when she stopped being so. She's been there through my broken foot, jammed fingers, mumps, measels and everything else. They have wept with me and rejoiced with me and always give us a warm welcome and a listening ear when we go "home."
Thank you, Father, for faithful women of God who allow their lives to brush up against ours as they go about the business of life and following You. This only pictures a few of them. There are and have been many others that shaped me and allowed me to watch their lives as I grew up. Bless them!
