Today is International Women's Day. As such it seems a good time to consider who have been some of the key women in my life and the impact they have made.
Like most people, I need to start with my mum. She is a woman who has often done more than a mother should do for her son. A fair chunk of my homework in primary school comes to mind. She cooked for us, and bought our clothes. She often had to clean my room if anyone was going to ever see the carpet, and if I could go back in time, I think I would do better on that front. She has been, all in all, a great and wonderful mum, and I love her dearly.
Importantly, she has also been a key influence on my understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. She was the one who helped us to pray at the dinner table (step up, Dad!), who taught in Sunday School and later with the teenage crew. When I was young, she was deeply involved in life within our church at Hawthorn and I learned what it meant to be committed to the church. (Dad did a good job with that too.)
But here's something else. I remember that the teenagers from our church would often meet at our place after church on Sunday night, and while Mum was cooking pikelets she would often be talking to some of the young women of the church. This was informal discipleship taking place.
I love my mum deeply.
My two grandmothers would also stand out in my mind. My maternal grandmother, Grandma, suffered a heart attack (I think) while I was young and came to stay with us for a while. It was kind of cool having that older generation in the house for a while. Sadly, a massive stroke changed her life and took away her ability to speak clearly. This meant she couldn't talk with us and the frustration on her face was easy to see. But I still remember her smile. And I remember her love. And I remember her serving Jesus faithfully.
My paternal grandmother, Nanna, was the longest living of my grandparents. My Pa died when I was 10, (I have some happy memories of him and his wheelbarrow) and this naturally meant life changed dramatically for Nanna. But she became a powerful witness in our church. This church moved from Hawthorn to Waverley in 1987, and I can still see my Nanna, no matter how frail she became, determined to make sure that she would welcome any visitor that came to our church. And it was a reasonably large church, so it would often mean there were a number of people to meet.
She didn't let her frailty stop her. She served Jesus faithfully.
There are other women who I could name, but it would make this too long. Two women need to be mentioned, and then a final name.
Carolyn Everett was our Sunday School leader when I was a child. One Sunday, while she was leading our Sunday School, she invited any of us who wanted to ask Jesus to be their special friend, (language which made perfect sense in the 70's) to come and kneel at the mercy seat. I did. Carolyn and her family were a huge part of my life as a boy, and as a teenager. Carolyn showed her love for Jesus in her love for the people, and especially for the children.
Muriel Davies was a quiet follower of Jesus. Her husband, Howard, was a huge influence on my understanding of ministry, of preaching, and of theology. While Howard and Muriel were our Corps Officers (ministers) a group of youth leaders would meet at their home once a week for a meal and a discussion. In opening her home to us, she modelled hospitality and a gentle witness. It may not have seemed much, but it stands in my mind.
Finally, and in many ways most importantly, is my beautiful and wonderful wife Anne. This year we celebrate 25 years of marriage. We don't have a house, but we have a home, and Anne is greatly responsible for this. We have had times in our life when we have been broke - truly. But Anne was able to take a few ingredients and make it something that was not only edible, but also tasty. She has been a great mum to our sons as they have grown into young men. She has served Jesus with me in many places. She has helped to move house too many times, and has done this cheerfully. (which continually amazes me.)
And in my darkest times, she is there. Smiling, giving space, encouraging, loving and all those good things. But most important, she is there.
I have been blessed to have great women involved in my life. I thank God for them all, too many of whom are unnamed in this blog.
Who has influenced you?
