A Life of Serving Others

As I made my way to Inner City this morning to read with the sweet kiddos, I had a truly humbling moment.  As I pulled up at the church, which is beside the Salvation Army, I simply waved and smiled at the homeless individuals who were eagerly waiting for the lunch doors to open.  Their eyes lit up at the simple relational gesture! As I mentioned in a previous post, I just finished an in-depth study of the homeless population in America, and it really opened my eyes, especially to their simple need of relationships rather than being treated like an "animal in a zoo." I prayed this morning that God would open my eyes and use me - about an hour later, he did just that.  To see their eyes light up and the returned smiles really blessed my heart.  In fact, one gentleman came over to talk to me. I had plans to go get food for him and his little one when I left from reading, but I could not find him; however, I did find comfort in knowing that his food needs would be met when the Salvation Army doors opened. Nonetheless, I had planned to go help the sweet Inner City kids, as usual, and in turn I was the one who was blessed.

I say all of this to reach another point: This morning reminded me of the sweet words of a 91- year old widow woman who is currently dying from a leaking heart valve. Last Wednesday night, Paul and I had the privilege of listening to Ms. Frances Case as she reminisced over her life. Ms. Frances was a simple southern beautician who married a local photographer. They worked in the photography business for 47 years together, and were married for 63 years.  Now, although she does have a medical condition, to feel sorry for her would be the last thing Ms. Frances would want. On any given day, you might find Ms. Frances attending her exercise class (one that she attends three times a week to work on her balance), playing games with the widow ministry at church, attending church regularly, and driving herself (yes, alert as ever) around town. However, it doesn't take long around Ms. Frances to realize that what she spends the majority of her time doing is SERVNG OTHERS.

 

Before Ms. Case's husband passed, she emphasized that they worked in the photography business, not for the money, but to give their best to the community. She noted that her husband would often view pictures he had printed, and realizing that he could do better would start all over, of course at no charge to the customer. Nonetheless, after her husband's passing, Ms. Frances has not slowed down in her service of others. Ms. Frances likes to visit those in the hospitals and nursing homes and fellowship with them through encouragement and prayer. She also fulfills her weekly volunteer duty of taking, as she says, the "older ladies" from assisted living to go grocery shopping. She is also known to attend as many bridal and baby showers as possible, and she also attends many weddings and funerals weekly. She feels that it is important to be there for people, and how right she is!

Ms. Frances Case at my bridal shower.

When Paul and I were getting married, I was a little nervous about moving to a big city where I did not know many people. I had a lovely bridal shower held at the home of Mrs. Libby Jones (a wonderful woman whom I could not respect more - what a lovely family she has). I was so excited and nervous, as this simply was not my home town. However, never having met her before in my life, Ms. Frances made a point to make it to my bridal shower. She did not stop there, though. She also came to our wedding a couple months later, and at the reception, she left the sweetest advice card on the table -- one that we will cherish forever. It said:

 

"After God our Father and Jesus Christ our Savior, always remember to put each other first in your lives.

Remember that we all have our faults so be forgiving. My husband and I were married 63 years when he died of Pancreatic Cancer on Nov. 28, 2004.

As another year has passed, and she has discovered her heart condition, she is still just as spry as ever! When asked how she continues to go on and not worry about her present health concerns, her simple answer (which will forever be embedded in my heart) was this:

WHEN YOU FOCUS ON OTHERS AND SERVING THEM, YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO WORRY ABOUT YOURSELF. IT'S THAT SIMPLE.

 

 

I am amazed at her continuous loving spirit, and she truly embodies the character of servant-hood. Although some feel that Paul and I are in over our heads and will quickly approach burnout, and they may be right, we just can't stop what we were put on this earth to do. For now, God has led us to the sweet family of the Inner City, and we wouldn't change a thing. Yes, it is time consuming and can make life very hectic and challenging at times, but that is when the words of Ms. Frances Case will always be like a whisper in my ear.

 

I pray that these words may ring true in your life, as well.  When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Whatever position you find yourself in, you were put there for "such as time as this" (just as Esther was in the days of old for the Jews).  Let's keep on pressing heavenward for that prize!! One thing that always keeps me in perspective is the following scripture:

 

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them." (James 4:17)

 

Thankfully, God can take us just as we are and mold us and use as he sees fit. For a final bit of encouragement, take a few moments to listen to this contemporary version of one of my favorite hymns, "Just As I Am."

 

 

Until next time...