This morning I attended the funeral of a woman who impacted my life in many ways. Doris Julien went home to be with the Lord very unexpectedly Saturday night. The celebration of her life today was filled with tears and with joy.
Listening to tribute after tribute to her caring heart, giving spirit, calming presence and gracious hospitality, I was struck once again by the tremendous value of a woman who walks with God. She modeled what I long to see in the girls I disciple--and in myself. The traditional SMM values of worship and service were beautifully blended in this woman. I was reminded that as we teach our girls practical skills, we must not fail to help them develop gracious, grateful hearts. A heart full of worship understands how God calls us to serve.
Doris served as a missionary in France with her husband Tom, then served in many ways in the U.S. when he became Executive Director of Grace Brethren International Missions. She oversaw the care of the missionary residence in Winona Lake for 14 years. Someone commented to me this week, "When I would go to the missionary residence, I would see her there taking care of details to make the missionaries feel welcome. She may have been the wife of the Executive Director, but she wasn't above cleaning the toilets."
May God give us as leaders such a servant heart, and may it be contagious.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment