She is Strong...

Strong Woman...

Our church is full of strong Christian women. Every time I go to church, I look around and observe. I am a people observer. I look at facial expressions, interactions, body language, hair, and dress, but I look at the inward shining outward. We have many women in our church who are older, but they are leaders. I have watched them for years come and go. When they are absent, I notice. When they are quiet, I see. Some never speak to me, as we are often so busy with responsibilities that we are going in opposite directions, but there is always a look and smile. I see these women and I am amazed. There are some in their 90s who drive themselves. They come even on rainy nights or when the weather is cold. Others must have transportation but are ready and willing to participate when they arrive. Some are leaders for ministries. Some of these ladies work on our kitchen crew, serve breakfast, teach in the Children's Ministry, work in the sound room, and some are on the decorating committee, teach classes, or sing. These women are serving in any and all capacities. We often use the phrase, "When I grow up, I want to be like you." I want to be like them. I admire their dedication, their knowledge, and their strength. I admire their worship.

There is one lady in particular who is about 15 years older than I. I have known her for almost 40 years. She and I rode back and forth to college when she was completing her administration license, and I was working on my master's degree. She is the leader of our Children's Ministry. She teaches on Wednesday night, a Sunday School class, and is in charge of the Breakfast Committee for children, and the Children's Church leader organizing who teaches each Sunday. She makes the schedule for us to rotate, and makes sure we have lessons, and the children have their snacks. I know she must get tired, but I have never ever heard her complain. She serves.

1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." He doesn't say, "Each man". He says, "Each of you". Peter urges us to understand that Christ could come at any time and we should all use the gifts God gave us through His grace. He means any gift, all gifts, not one gift, but all gifts. I am so honored to use my gifts to serve alongside those Strong Christian Women in our service to the Lord. I want to be like them.