A Woman to Remember

Col. 1:24-25 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.

Sometimes you need a friend that has truly stood in the shoes and can relate and comfort you when you’re going through a hard time. Gail was that one. Gail had endured suffering in her Christian life and was not afraid to face it squarely, knowing God could turn it into a benefit for another in His body. And that’s what He did. On one occasion I came out to spend the night in her country cottage on the lake where time seemed to stand still as we caught up and shared our hearts. I had escaped my painful world at the time for a night but would be returning in the morning. I needed to take something with me to inspire me to persevere. She had plenty of ammunition for me there. I communicated that I could not endure my circumstances another minute and she let me vent, cry and then handed me a white dish towel and told me to wave it or throw it in surrender to the Lord. That was the exact remedy and therapy needed. She spoke the truth to me boldly and directly and it always penetrated through my veneer and did its work.

I brought a friend once to visit and she ended up saving her marriage that was at a crossroads by proving the truth of covenant. Another life lesson I learned by observing Gail’s life was her obedience to the command to honor our parents. No matter what was dished out, she was determined to honor and serve her parent while they were on this earth. It was the right thing to do and it taught me to do the same no matter the cost. She fasted and prayed to turn her whole family line around wherever they were lacking.

I’ll never forget our coffee discussions and prayers that could last 4 hours. Gail, you truly were chosen to express God’s word in its fullness and have now discovered the mystery of Christ in you, your hope of glory. Hope you continue to set examples, pray, and prove scripture to many students in heaven!