Remarkable Women Part 4

I have one more remarkable woman to share with you!  Although, I have many wonderful women in my life, these last two weeks, I have focused on sharing about the four women who are fulfilling the scripture found in Titus 2:4.

Darchelle W.

I've known Darchelle for about 16 years.  She was my English teacher in high school.  I normally do not keep in touch with many of my teachers but she has been the exception.  Darchelle connected with many of her students and is one of those people that has the ability to maintain those relationships even if we don't see her that often.  When you are with her, she is present with you in that moment.  At alumni gatherings, you will find her engrossed in conversation with many of her former students,  genuinely interested in hearing about their lives.

There is grace, elegance, excitement, and humor in the way Darchelle communicates.  She laughs easily but is never satisfied with superficial interactions.  She asks questions that make you think deeper.  I have received many emails from her over the years that were very encouraging to me.  There was one recently that literally had me in tears.  Her words touched my soul and inspired me to believe in myself and the work God is doing in my life.  I love receiving book recommendations from her because we tend to share some of the same spiritual interests.

I've learned many things from Darchelle.  Here's some of what I have gleaned over the years:

On God's Will:  When we reach crossroads in life, it is easy to get stressed out because we think that there is only one way to fulfill God's will.  We worry that the other path is clearly outside of His blessing.  As God's children, we are always under His blessing, even if we choose a less than ideal path.  The key is to head in the direction of righteousness.  When we are choosing between several good options, we can rest assured that God's blessing will follow us.  I don't remember what crossroads I was at when Darchelle explained this to me (I know I was in high school).  She drew a diagram which has always stuck in my head.  I see it everytime I come to a point of decision on important matters.  It looked kind of like this:

On Self-Confidence: In high school, Darchelle wore many hats, one of which was being my drama teacher.  I am an introvert at heart and drama did not come easy for me at first.  I remember her working with me and coaching me on how to expand out of my "box".  She wanted me to feel free on stage.  I was limiting myself because I didn't want to draw undo attention to myself.  Her encouragement helped me to blossom out of my shell and come to love expressing myself through drama.  To this day, it is something that I enjoy and do with much confidence.  The last two years, I have directed our church's Easter production.  This is something I never thought I would have the confidence to do.

The Borrowed Tomb 2012

The Borrowed Tomb Cast  2012

Drama Team in High School (Darchelle-Top left)

Because of my experience with drama and obtaining the self confidence to stand in front of an audience, I am also able to preach God's word without reservation.  I don't think Darchelle knew the magnitude of the gift she was giving to me through her drama coaching.  It truly has extended and touched thousands of people over the last sixteen years.    

I can certainly share many other life lessons I have learned from this woman but I am afraid I would make this a very long post!  Darchelle is a remarkable woman in my eyes because she is not afraid to invest in people.  She is a busy woman but even through brief encounters and quick emails throughout the years, she has continued to make a difference in my life.  Darchelle is a fellow journeyer with me on the spiritual path.  She does not shy away from telling others what she's learned and what God is currently doing in her life.  Her openness, encouragement, and genuine spirit has added much blessing to my life.  I am so thankful to God for her witness.

Over the last couple of weeks, you have met four remarkable women: Cherri C, Cora G, Cheryl C, and Darchelle W. My life is BLESSED because of how these women have chosen to share themselves with me.  I am different because of them. I think it is amazing when women mentor a younger generation of women when there are no family ties between them.

When women extend their reach to bless younger women who are not their daughters, there is something sacred about those interactions.  There is a beautiful strength, a dignified presence that is evident as they share of themselves with you.  You know they are giving to you, not because you are their daughter, but because they understand at a deep level the bond that connects you to them in Christ.

It is my prayer that you, the reader, are connected to Godly women.  They are a source of life to a young woman's heart.  We need their experience, their faith, their wisdom in order to become better wives, daughters, and mothers.  Take some time to reflect on how Godly women have added blessing to your life.  Write it down and thank God for His mighty provision.  If no one comes to mind, pray that God will send a wise and spirit-filled woman into your life.  You can rest assured that He will answer the prayer of your heart.

Blessings!