For such a time as this

Loss and joy.  Grief and laughter.  Smiles and tears.  I have been deeply amazed at how these things so frequently go together in this season of my life.

Yesterday we, my husband, my daughter, and myself, attended the memorial service for our beloved friend Irma.  Our friend and brother Darren lead the service, his low booming “this is God” voice resonating.  His love for Irma fueled his passionate telling of her final message to us, “Do all for the glory of God” and “if you are just a Christian, then you’re not doing enough.  Live your faith by pouring your life into other people.”

I looked around the room at women who were once strangers and who are now among my most treasured friends.  In every case, it was Irma who brought us together in some way.  Through bible studies, teas, building friendships.  In every case, we were greater women of God because of Irma’s devotion to us.  Each is involved more deeply in ministering to the hearts of women because Irma first ministered to us.  That is a Godly legacy worthy of a crown, don’t you think?

I have a dear sister, Melinda, whom I had not seen in several years.  Circumstances had separated us and I have been missing my friend so much.  Periodically I sent notes and cards to her just to let her know, “I’m still here and I will always be your friend.”  I hoped that God had directed the timing and those messages had reached her when she most needed to know that there was someone praying for her and loving her, even if from a distance.

I prayed so hard that Melinda would be at the memorial and as the room emptied I saw her across the room.  I pointed to her, she pointed to me, and we met in the middle with an embrace of reunion and neither of us could let go.  A foretaste, I think, of the reunion we’ll have in Heaven. 

For several minutes, as we continually reached for each other and embraced, it was a jumble of grief, joy, tears, laughter, comfort and encouragement.  What a gracious answer to prayer to be reunited with my sister.

I shared with Melinda a story from just a few weeks ago.  I have felt God leading me to more deeply connect with the women in my church and community.  I started a Titus 2 group, part Bible study, part relationship/mentoring.  We’re working on beginning a weekly women’s Bible Study.  So I’ve been moving in that direction, but I sense that there is more.  I confided in my husband that I wanted to be a Melinda.  Our church needs a loving, compassionate person at the door, greeting and welcoming.  Someone who would be ready with a smile, an embrace, time to talk and pray with whoever walked in.  Someone who would be willing to chase people into the parking lot just to make sure they knew they were welcome and appreciated (there’s a story there).

Melinda heard that and said, “you can do so much better” than being like her.  She proceeded to tell how she was trying to be a JoDana.  Going beyond meeting to more deeply connecting, taking time to build relationship and truly know and be known.

Neither of us knew how deeply we had touched each other nor encouraged one another’s walk of Faith.  Both of us acknowledged Irma’s encouragement and empowerment in who we had become as women of God.

And the legacy continues.

I find it curious that in the last month I have described two ministries simply by the names of these two women.  In describing the role of mentor, teacher, encourager, what I hoped to be for a group of women, I said I wanted to be an Irma to them.  In describing a ministry of hospitality and gracious welcome, I wanted to be a Melinda. 

Is our heart, our gifting so obvious that our very name becomes synonymous with the gift?  Are we pouring our lives into others’ in such a way that the mention of our name carries with it the legacy of our ministry?

That is what is on my heart these days.  I have seen the power of holy legacy in the lives of two amazing, passionate servants of the Most High.  I wonder, what will my name be synonymous with?  What will yours?