Reflections of a Butterfly

THIS WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED LAST MOTHERS DAY, BUT HAS SINCE BEEN ADDED TO... :o)

When Mother’s Day rolls around, it always gets me thinking of the special women who have been influential in my life… Those precious women who have taught me, guided me, been examples to me, encouraged me, and stood by me…  So, today, Mothers’ Day, in honor of a few of the wonderful women God has blessed me with in my life, I thought I would share why exactly they are so precious to me…

The first woman I want to tell you about has been one of my best and closest friends for approximately sixteen years. She started out as my Youth Leader at church, then became my Sunday School teacher, and when I was fifteen years old, we, along with the rest of the youth group and leaders, went on a mission trip to Italy, where, in a private moment, this beautiful, precious, vivacious woman shared part of her testimony with me, and thanks to her example, her honesty, and her guidance, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior that night, and I have never been the same since. This woman has stood by my side, both literally and figuratively, always being honest with me, loving me, encouraging me, praying with and for me… She has cried with me, laughed with me, told me when I was being a brat or making bad choices, and she has celebrated with me over victories. She has held me accountable, defended me, helped me to grow in maturity, in faith, and in grace. She has been an example of a courageous, bold, passionate wife, mother, daughter, and friend, and has taught me that standing up for what is right and for God’s holy truth, and being myself – the person God has designed and called me to be – in order to glorify and honor Him is what matters most in this life. She has taught me about the importance of having integrity, being trustworthy, being honest, and standing strong on the things that matter… She has also taught me that there is often a difference between Biblical truth and someone’s opinion/preference. She is one of the few people in my life who, no matter how rarely we get to see each other, no matter how long it’s been since we’ve talked, we always pick right up where we left off. She is one of the few who I know I could call for any reason, at any time, and that she would come running if I needed her. I cannot imagine my life without her in it.  So, Kelly Wells, I love you, my friend, and I cherish you, your family, and our friendship. Thank you for being you, and for loving me the way you do.

The next woman I want to tell you about is someone who loves God and people more genuinely than anyone I’ve ever known. This precious woman is a shining example of what it means to truly live your faith. She gives of herself with fervor, always choosing to serve those around her – even complete strangers. She was one of the first people in my life who, when she learned I needed prayer about something, didn’t just say “I’ll pray for you”; instead, she grabbed my hand and said, “Let’s pray.” ~ She truly has that meek and gentle spirit, and being around her makes me feel closer to the Lord. Talking with her, spending time with her strengthens the desire in my heart to seek God and follow Him. She exudes joy, even as she goes through significant trials... She has taught me to look for God in every little detail of life, as she shares with me all of the ways she sees Him working and revealing himself in her own life ~ whether it be through a hospital stay or a trip to the beach or in a fussy child or a gift from a friend or in preparing a meal… By example, she has taught me to open my eyes and take notice that God isn’t just some distant person who we check in with and read about at church on Sundays… He is all around us, intricately involved in every minute detail of our lives, weaving a beautiful tapestry out of things that we so often overlook… and she has taught me that sometimes, even the things we deem as ugly or bad or unnecessary or hurtful are things that He is using and will often make something amazing and beautiful out of them…  I have only known her for a short few years, but it seems like we have been through a lifetime together. She and her family have become such important parts of my life. Through them – through her – I have learned, by not only talking with her, but by observing her actions, how to be a better wife, a better mother, a better daughter and friend, and I have seen a true example of what it means to “love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deut. 6:5) Marilyn Coleman, you are the God-Mother of my children. I am so thankful to have you in my life. You have taught me what it means to submit to God, submit to my husband, and that being a good mother, wife, woman, does not mean following a cookie-cutter pattern ~ that it is about following the Lord and letting Him show me what will work best for my individual family, without worrying about what other people think, or what other people are or are not doing. You have taught me to stop looking at other people as my go-to example and to focus on Jesus Christ, letting God’s word and His Holy Spirit be my guide. Thank you for encouraging me in my faith and in so many other ways. I love you.

Next is a woman I have known for about 10 years or so now. She has a quiet, graceful spirit, but she is also one of the strongest women I know. She has exemplified what it means to have an amazingly strong work ethic. She is a true southern belle, sweet, loving, faithful, and she has a heart for family and a deep love for the Lord. One of the things she has taught me is the importance of not taking things – especially people – for granted. She is a true steel magnolia, beautiful, full of grace, standing strong no matter what life throws her way ~ even in the midst of battles, sorrows, hurts, and fears, she draws on the strength of the Lord to carry her through; she never gives up. From her, I have learned what it means to truly be a lady. She has taught me the importance of putting first things first, and not letting other less or un-important things get in the way of what matters most. She has taught me that it is important to learn from your mistakes, and to look to God for guidance as to how to correct things. She has been a true example of faithfulness, always consistent in keeping her commitments and honoring her word. She has been a courageous example of self-control, goodness, and gentleness. I’ve always heard horror stories of mothers-in-law, and how awful they can be. I am thankful that I’ve had the opposite experience, and that I have a Godly mother-in-love who is kind and loving and sweet, and who I count as a friend. Thank you, Gail Smith, for being a wonderful blessing in my life.

Next is someone who I was a little intimidated by at first. This woman, confident and sure of herself, a one-of-a-kind leader, is a force to be reckoned with – mainly because her faith in God runs so deep. The more I got to know her, the more I liked her. She has consistently shown herself to be a true woman of integrity, passionate about God and following His will, and about the people she cares about. While not outwardly emotional, she is deeply caring and sentimental at heart, often holding on tightly to the people and things that mean the most to her. This amazing woman has taught me about the undeniable beauty found in the unique – because she exemplifies it. She has taught me about a deeper side of faith, that before getting to know her, I never really thought about – let alone possessed. While on the surface, her mannerisms and personality are eclectic and impressionistic, and she might be abstract in her ways of thinking (from an artist’s way of thinking, anyhow!), at her core, she is steadfast, exemplifying a passionate desire for truth and honor, humble dignity, peace, patience, humility, gentle strength, a tender spirit, a love of joyful laughter, and the sincere yearning to honor God with her life and to fulfill the purpose(s) He has for her. Over the course of the past year, as I have gotten to know this woman, she has taught me about being a loving and submissive wife, while still staying true to the individual person God made me. She has taught me that strength is something that is fulfilled spiritually, and that if you aren’t drawing it from God, it will run out. She has made me laugh and laughed with me, she has taught me to be more aware of people and attune to what is going on with them. She has given me a new perspective on countless things that have helped me work toward being *better* in various areas of my life. She is a true friend – one I am truly thankful for – and she has certainly become one of my best and closest friends and confidantes in the time I have known her.  She is one of a kind. Catherine Wright, I am so thankful for our friendship and for the person you are, and I am so glad God brought you into my life! <3 nbsp="">