Appreciation

Whether you are a school teacher, housewife, or corporate executive, everyone has a desire to be appreciated for what they do.  No, we should not seek the approval of man, however, having someone pat you on the back and say “well done” gives us a sense of hope and desire to keep improving ourselves.

A couple of weeks ago in Sunday School each of us received a card with an action we had to accomplish for the following week.  My card stated to “write a letter of appreciation to someone.”  Well, that is easy.  I have so many people to thank for the investment they have made in my life.  However, I chose to write my letter to a young lady I do not know but who was instrumental in leading my daughter-in-law, Robyn, to the Lord years ago.  Right now this young lady is suffering from the devastating flood in Denham Springs, LA.  She is ministering to her entire family who are now homeless.  Her home is the only home out of her large family that was untouched by the flood.  She needed a word of encouragement and appreciation.  If I had been closer I would have taken her a five-pound bag of Peanut M & M’s too.

Anyway, since writing the letter, I have had two names keep popping into my mind.  I learned a long time ago that when a name comes to mind that Lord is prompting me to pray, call or send a note to that person.  The two ladies I want to share a bit with you have developed my love for ministering to ministers’ wives.

Lana Rose wears many hats for the Tennessee Baptist Convention and one role in meeting the needs of ministers’ wives.  Shortly before moving to Tennessee in 2006, God had planted a seed in my heart for hurting ministers’ wives.  My pastor husband and I attended a Tennessee new staff orientation and that is where I met and fell in love with Lana.  Her outgoing personality, jovial spirit, and love of Christ makes you want to be friends with her.  As I said God planted the seed in my heart for loving on ministers’ wives BEFORE I moved to Tennessee because He knew I would meet Lana.  Through her friendship and example, I gained great insight in how to develop a ministers’ wives network.  Lana also offered me the constant safe friendship that all ministers’ wives need.  Since moving back to Arkansas, I do not get to see this special lady but I always know she will listen when I call.  Because of Lana’s investment in me, the Arkansas Baptist minister’s wives network, A Common Bond, has grown stronger and we are developing more small fellowships within associations across the state. 

The second lady in Tennessee who has been instrumental in my ministry life is Pat Brown from East Tennessee.  Pat is one of those quiet ladies who is pack full of fun, great ideas, and tons of encouragement.  I do not believe I have ever seen Pat without a smile of her face.  Even as I write I just sent her a text message checking in on her.  Pat has supplied me with a wealth of information and examples for developing ministers’ wives’ networks.  One thing I always try to keep in mind that Pat shared: “It doesn’t matter how many come to a wives’ fellowship.  Just keep meeting and they will come.”  She is right!  After I returned to Arkansas and we formed a fellowship in our association, there may have been four of to gather.  Now four years later, we have sometimes twenty ladies attending and we have been known to shut a restaurant down.  When that happens we just moved the party to the parking lot.  Yes, we get a lot of stares but who cares.  Ministers’ wives just want to have fun!

To Lana and Pat I want to say thank you for all you have done for this crazy, blonde, chocoholic pastor’s wife.  You have encouraged me, loved me, and listened.  No words will ever be able to express how grateful I am for your friendship.  I can’t send a big Hershey’s Kiss through a blog but I can send a big God size hug to you both.

Girlfriends, who do you appreciate?   I am giving you a challenge this next month.  I want you to ask the Lord to place on your heart the name of one minister’s wife who has invested in your life.  Tell her what she means to you and how she has been an example to you.  Next, I want you to share a brief statement on this blog post about the person who you are expressing your appreciation to. 

Ready! Set! Go!