Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Writing (01/11/07)
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TITLE: God's Servant | Previous Challenge Entry
By Constance Gilbert
01/16/07 -
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As a charter member of the little white church across the street, she demonstrated the joy of serving the Lord daily. To her, there was nothing better than sharing her love of God with everyone she met. She was a gentle spirit and a friend to all who crossed her path.
She shared my struggle with shyness and making friends; celebrated my graduation from nursing school; witnessed my wedding vows; held my baby with pride; and comforted me when I was widowed. She taught through example how to be caring and kind- she never said a bad word about anything or anyone in all the years I knew her.
Well, except one day. I was driving her and some of her lady friends to a funeral. I listened in on their intense conversation about mutual friends and what they thought was going to happen. I was concerned. Upon getting out of the car, I asked Bessie if I knew their friends. I could help pray for their situation. “That’s sweet of you, dear, but I don’t think you know them,” she replied. They all giggled, as they walked toward the church. I held the door while they reverently filed by me; but Bessie’s eye twinkled as she smiled and whispered, “They’re on our favorite TV soap opera.” No wonder she had said, “Well, you reap what you sow!”
The sad day arrived, when I had to say good-bye, knowing I would never see her again. She gave me a quilt and a handmade wooden box to give to my sister, her namesake. I promised to write; and thanked her for being my loving “grandma.”
She traveled from Michigan to Florida, to live with her retired daughter; leaving her friends and the city where she grew up, married, and lived for more than 80 years. A stroke later sent her to a nursing home for the remainder of her long life.
I kept my promise and wrote at least once a month for over two years. I chattered on and on about daily life- just like we used to do in person. My letters were meant to encourage her, to keep her connected to us, and to return the love she had given to me and so many others.
After her death, an amazing story unfolded.
I received a letter from one of the nursing home nurses; and a visit from a friend, who had seen Bessie while on his vacation. Bessie’s desire to share the love of Jesus never wavered; she continued to be a gentle, quiet witness to the nursing home staff, patients, and visitors. Unknown to me, she read my letters to everyone. After another stroke left her unable to speak, she had the nurses read the letters for her ... out loud ... for everyone. Her visitors were also asked to read them.
My last letter arrived after Bessie died. The nurse assured me that it, too, was read to everyone. "Everyone has been blessed knowing Bessie and she had continued to ministered through your letters," reported my friend and retired pastor.
I have no memory of what I wrote in those letters, but I have wonderful memories of Bessie, God’s servant.
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