January 7, 2008
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I see Jesus in her!
If you look very close at the lovely grey haired beauty above you will see one of the truest examples around of a Titus 2 woman! And if you listen very closely you will hear Jesus spilling out through her words and actions to everyone she meets.
I met Sister Ellis over 20 years ago at a little country church. She was the WM (Women’s Missions) leader and met with a group of ladies each Friday. Her little group made quilts for missionaries and the needy in our church and community. Sister Ellis is 87 years old and continues to hold these meetings in her home every friday! Imagine that! How many 87 year olds do you know that are actively serving Christ?
If I were to list all that I’ve learned from Sister Ellis the list would be very long. If I had to pick just one thing it would be the fact that she has enlarged my own personal picture of a Titus Two woman. Sister Ellis loves her own children and grandchildren. Her family and home are very important to her and she does not neglect them. But, her service to the Lord does not stop with her family. She also uses her home as a outpouring of ministry to those in her neighborhood, church and beyond. If we look at all the scriptures describing the duties of a godly woman you will surely see that it not only includes her husband, children, home but she is also commanded to use her gifts in her own church body, to make disciples, to feed the hungry and help the poor, to visit the orphans and widows in their distress, care for the affliction and show hospitality. (This list is not exhaustive to say the least.) She is to be known by others as being a woman of ‘good works’. (1 Timothy 5:9-10, James 1:27, 1 Cor. 12, Mt. 28:19-20)
Sister Ellis rarely leaves her home, except for family and church functions, yet her influence has reached around the world. Many of us lovingly refer to her home as the ‘hospitality house’. You never know who will show up to visit her in a days time. No matter when you stop by you will always be welcomed to sit down for a cup of coffee and a homemade goodie.
The Apostle Paul once mentioned that there were few that cared about the interests of Christ. Sister Ellis cares about the interests of others.
They all seek their own interests ,not those of Jesus Christ. Phil 2:21
Let each of you look not only to his own interests , but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:4
I found this quote in a book called, All the Women of the Bible. It reminds me so much of Sister Ellis and all I hope to be in Christ.
“.. it is encouraging to know that there are those Christian women – spinsters, wives and mothers – who strive to keep themselves unspotted from the world. Books are not written about their true love, loyalty, sacrifice and uncomplaining days. These precious women are writing their history in the lives of those around them whom they love and serve. Although often weary in their task – for theirs is no forty-hour week job – they are never weary OF their task. They spend their lives unknown by the world in their narrow circle of their home within which they labor unceasingly for God and others, but they will not lose their reward. God’s eye is upon them as they live out their lives in the orbit of His will amid all the cares, trials and sorrows of the home. One day, when the books are opened, their devotion will be commended by Him who sees and knows all.”
Comments (10)
i loved this post! thank you!
She is beautiful…so is the lady next to her. I love learning from others whose lives reflect godliness. There is a good reason that God has given her 87 long years…that she might teach us. Give her a hug from her friends out here.
Oh my, are you blessed to know this woman. And thank you for sharing her life with all of us!
Your Sister Ellis sounds so much like my friend, Marie, age 82, who just moved away. Marie didn’t drive, so she rarely left her home, but that did not stop her from being a godly influence on everyone with whom she associated…even someone like the gas man! Aren’t we blessed to know women who embody the traits we strive for, who set such wonderful examples, and who SUCCEED at it! And now that Marie has moved away, I know she will continue to be an influence in my life, even from afar…she’s a powerful prayer ally and always seems to know when she’s needed. That’s a really sweet picture of the two of you!! Two beautiful Christian women.
Thank you so much for prayers. I will try to get on the computer as soon as I get home tomorrow. We live in Conway and our doctor is in Little Rock. Hopefully we won’t be there too long after our doctor’s appointment. Thanks again for the prayers. Love ya, vb
I love women like Sister Ellis. She is truly beautiful.
I love Proverbs 31 because of all you are saying about women…it is not “either family/or ministering outside our family” for us, it is both our families and ministry to others.
Every member of the Body of Christ has so much to do in order to fulfill the Great Commission! I pray each of us hear correctly the exact place he has for us. Some will stay home a lot; others may be out and about once home responsibilities are taken care of. Both lifestyles are valuable for the kingdom.
And thanks for posting on my sight — I like what I sense from you– you seem to be a gentle woman who loves the Lord passionately.
Can you share what city you are from or would you rather not…. I will understand if you choose not to …I am just curious…
This is such a good reminder of how we are to care and share our lives. Thanks you. You don’t know how much spoke to my heart. Blessings to you! Sharon
I’m enjoying the upclose view of you, and want to say, it’s been good getting to know your heart!
A beautiful tribute — I feel this way about my mother-in-love, Betty. What blessings!
This was a beauitful tribute to a Woman of God. Thaks for sharing. Dawn