Four Remarkable Women Part 1

This last week, I was reflecting on the scripture found in Titus 2:4 where it talks about how older women are to encourage younger women in loving their husbands and children.  The verse also adds how they are to mentor the younger generation in the areas of character and work ethic.

As I thought back on my life, four women came to mind as ones who have added much wisdom, beauty, and love to me.  This week, I want to give you a little glimpse into what makes them remarkable women in my eyes.  I thought of just telling you about them all in one post but quickly realized that it would end up being a very long post!  So I've decided to spread it out and do a week of posts featuring these four remarkable women.


Cherri P.  

I've known Cherri for five years.  We met while Mike and I were pastoring in Nebraska.  Her husband pastored a non-denominational church in the town were we lived.  Our friendship grew as we worked together in planning an area wide, interfaith, women's ministry called Mia Bella. 

       

Moving away from Nebraska was difficult because of the deep friendship and connection I formed with Cherri (and another remarkable woman...more on her later this week :)  We met up for a girl's type weekend last summer.  It was so great to laugh, pray, and worship together again.

I have learned many things from Cherri but there are three main lessons that stick out in my mind.

What I Learned About Prayer:

 I learned what it looks and feels like to pray believing that God's very presence is in the room.   Many times our conversations would naturally transition into prayer sessions.  I grew up with formal transitions into prayer.  Phrases like: "Let's pray..." or "Let's bow our head and close our eyes...." or "Who wants to pray?" For me, prayer was a neatly packaged nugget of time that you entered into and exited out of at clearly appointed times.

At first, when Cherri would start to pray without any sort of transition, it caught me off guard. I thought it a bit strange.  I would literally finish a sentence and then moments later, without saying anything, she would start to pray. As I got to know her better and prayed with her more often, I saw the beauty in the way she so naturally included God in the conversation.  Prayer for her was fluid.  It was a continual state of being.

What I Learned About Marriage:

 Cherri modeled what it looked like to honor your husband.  She taught me the beauty of seeking your husbands counsel and wisdom.  This was a hard one for me because I am a fairly independent person who knows how to make decisions.  I remember the first time I realized how freely I made decisions without consulting my husband first. Cherri and I were meeting with a group of women to talk about the new ministry we were starting.  During our conversation, I shared my "counsel" on a particular issue.  Cherri asked me what Mike thought about it.  At first, I didn't know what to say because I had never discussed it with him.  I told her that I was pretty sure he would think it was a good idea.  Our meeting ended soon after but her parting words stuck with me.  She said, "Why don't we talk it over with our husbands and hear their wisdom on the topic..."  Driving home, I couldn't shake a convicting feeling in my heart.  I realized that I needed to start seeing my husband as a wise man who had the God given ability to lead our family.  It was truly a huge moment for me.

What I Learned About Parenting:

 Cherri was open with me about the joys and struggles of parenting.  From her I learned that parenting is one of God's more powerful tools in chiseling away selfishness.  Parenting is a continual calling to surrender self. That's why it feels so hard at times.   Cherri has six children whose lives testify of a mother who taught them about Christ.   The way she interacts with her children has inspired me to strive for a more gentle, patient, and firm spirit with my own children.


Cherri's life, one that is hidden in Christ, has truly encouraged me in my journey.  Her obedience to the scripture in Titus has added great blessing to my life.  I thank God for placing her in my path and for using her to show me more of Him.  She is truly a remarkable woman of God.

This week as I share about some of the remarkable women in my life, I encourage you to think about the great women God has placed in your life.  How has God blessed you through them?  What have you learned by being in relationship with them?