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(contributed by Wendy Neill)

She is one of my dearest friends.  We went to the same college.  We’ve lived in FOUR of the same places, usually at different times: Dallas, Abilene, Kansas City and Searcy.  We both love long walks, especially when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom.  Once a week for six years, we have walked together, talked together, and then prayed together.  How are we different? I am exactly half her age.  She is 92 and I am 46. 

Effie is a woman of small stature and great faith.  The Spirit of God just oozes from her every pore.  Her smile and her open arms remind me how very much I am loved by God.  When I think of wisdom and perseverance, I think of Effie. 

When we are together, I do too much of the talking.  I find it comical that the subject is often MY poor health.  But even though she doesn’t talk as much or dole out advice, I still learn so much from her.  I’ve learned how to be patient and loving toward my Mom who has Alzheimer’s, because Effie stood by her husband through Alzheimer’s, until his death in 2008.  I’ve seen how she has continued to shine as a widow who is also a beautiful daughter of God.  She serves people in the community by visiting with them at a dinner her church holds once a week.  She has been part of ladies’ Bible studies, book clubs and trips to plays and concerts with friends.  She misses her husband, but she keeps living an abundant life, as she is able.

When I worry about my children, or when I’m not seeing eye-to-eye on an issue with my husband, I can count on a wise word from Effie.  It won’t be lengthy, but it will be just what I need. 

What is the secret in the sauce?  Prayer.  No doubt about it.  Effie relies on prayer.  There is even a prayer room at the Red Bridge Church of Christ in Kansas City named after her.  She prays daily for her family members, for the church and….. for me.

Do you have a woman in your life that exemplifies wisdom and perseverance?  Consider making a little extra room in your schedule to spend time with her.  Go on a walk.  Get some coffee.  And pray.  Like iron sharpening iron, she can encourage you to be as beautiful as a rose, despite your thorns.  An “Iron Rose Sister”.

Wendy Neill

• wisdom

Sunday, April 10 marked the 11-year anniversary of the baptism of Jhonny Frias, my Venezuelan son, who still calls me “Mamá.” It is hard to believe that it has been that many years, but what a joy to see the fruit of seeds planted and watered. This news is especially joy-filled considering Jhonny’s continued leadership in the East Caracas church and the current political and economic situation in Venezuela, where many are moving to other countries.

Earlier on Sunday morning, I was blessed to hear some good news from the previous day’s activity, as well…

The preacher at the Village Church of Christ plays pickle ball with several of the men from the Village. Through this relationship, many of the men come to church, but some of their wives are less excited to attend.

Saturday, one of those wives decided to attend the Denim & Pearls Ladies’ Day, where I shared lessons about the durability of God’s love, like denim, and the pearls of wisdom God has blessed us with through his Word. She and many other visitors were among the two hundred women who came and enjoyed the day’s activities.

This wife had such a great time on Saturday that she joined her husband at church on Sunday! What a blessing to be a part of seed planting, watering, and seeing how God brings the growth!

Some additional blessings from the weekend were

·      Having my mom, Jocelynn Goff, and new IRSM volunteer, Carole Gastineau, help with the booth.

·      Conducting a Ladies Day where Katie Forbess, Board President, and her family attend.

·      Introducing our new Rose Cards in honor of spiritual moms and in support of our growing Intern Program, just in time for Mother’s Day.

The moral of the story: God has called us to plant seed and to water it, but he is the one who brings the growth. Thanks for celebrating with us in the growth God has brought about in individual lives and for Iron Rose Sister Ministries!