Betty helped us all along the way…From our first thoughts about going into ministry to her last days on this earth; she was a cheerleader for Simply Grace.
Debbie’s mother passed away in March at 95 years young. Everyday her focus on us personally and Simply Grace was through prayer and encouragement. Her talks with God were always honest, gut-level conversations.
She had a heart for those in full-time ministry and didn’t miss many opportunities to encourage. The hospice chaplain who visited her in the hospital was one of the last recipients of Betty’s blessings. Even though he was there for her and the family, she forgot herself (her pain and despair), showed interest in his story and spoke life giving words to him.
Betty had been struggling with a weakened purpose and low self-worth. Even though she was still doing her own laundry, washing dishes, vacuuming, and paying her own bills until a few weeks before her passing, there was a lot of disappointment in not being able to do more. She had such a strong sense of purpose in her younger years. She was so productive and competent in all her endeavors; as an administrative assistant, playing piano, singing in the choir, and cooking cornbread dressing and banana pudding.
Our self-worth needs to be independent from our purpose. Betty may have felt that she wasn’t staying connected in the world or contributing enough to society and her family in those latter years but there’s one area where she continued to have great influence. She was so loving and supportive to her family, neighbors, co-workers and friends and she prayed for them. One family member spoke about this at her memorial service. Even with her limitations, there was the desire and ability to pray for others and herself. Mom/Betty did that daily; she prayed
Throughout our years of counseling, we have heard from countless individuals that really enjoy giving but have a very difficult time receiving from others. The world’s system is an achieving system. God’s economy is a receiving system. Achieving something is not evil in itself; however, certain things are meant to be received from God. As young children, we are dependent and have needs. As we grow older, we eventually return to dependency and neediness. In certain aspects, life comes full circle. During our personal circle of life, we can earn or achieve a sense of worth, value and significance or we can receive it from God as a gift (Romans 5:17). If we choose to earn it ourselves; unfortunately, we have to continually maintain it. It has an expiration date; however, the gift of worth value and significance from God will continue strong and will never expire. It will carry us full circle and beyond.
Thank you for your donations. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the support of people like you! May God bless you as abundantly as you have blessed us through your prayers and support.
Ken & Debbie