Remembering Martha

She could talk a blue streak, outwit Erma Bombeck in telling stories...and then shift gears to be quiet and focus on a person pouring out their heart. She always lived purposefully with a mission of her own and melt bowling pins with her determined gaze (she wished!)...and have tenderness to embrace someone crushed by life. She could be one tough lady (ask her kids) unless you were a cat and then she was indulgent. While staying with them one night I learned her secret. I should have known it sooner, but I was just enjoying being with Martha and didn't think this vibrant woman relied on anyone or anything else. But there it was in her eyes: They lit up when we talked about Jesus. She was in love and fully loved. This was her secret: Her confidence in life, her striden lifestyle blossomed out of her love affair with him. Martha spent hours -- yes, hours -- studying Scripture and talking with Jesus daily. When the kids were younger she had her Bible opened on top of the counter and after they were in bed, spent an hour soaking in what he said to her. And she spoke to him of me. I always knew there was something special about her kindness towards me, but I never guessed it was this deep. I will miss her.

For others who knew her and for whom she prayed, there will be a memorial service this Saturday at her church in Augusta, GA. We will have another one here at Tenth next Saturday, March 25, at 10:00 am. If you knew her, come celebrate with us.