Blanche

Sunday morning. Short scuffing sounds of a forward motioning walkers. If you're not careful, you could be trampled and very slowly killed by anyone of our senior saints in their attempt to find their Sunday morning pew. "Death by walker" not good. However, Blanche, with her limited sight, finds time to "see" people around her. She has such a calming voice when she speaks, you know you are in the presence of a true saint. She would never say that about herself... that's why I'm here. Blanche is a beautiful daughter of God. I struggle for words to share, because... how do you write BEAUTY? A few weeks ago, during worship service, I turned to look around at those gathered and saw Blanche. It was like a light opened from heaven and I saw this little woman with her eyes closed, her hands together yet lifted up... both giving and receiving praise. As she sang, I wanted so badly to move next to her, to "see" what she was seeing. Although a brief moment, it was one of the best worships I've ever been a part of. I am a fool for not spending more weekdays with her. To hear her share of her childhood, is a pleasant trip to a time more simple and less distracting than today. They are stories of places I would like to find for my children and their children. Yet, in all her wisdom and grace, I also love her spice. She will tell you only truth. Like it or not. Bold and honest. As the weeks go by I see her body grow more frail... However, as the weeks go by, I see her Spirit grow stronger. The words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled in her... Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Amen~ johno