18 comments

Kimberly Wagner

One of My Fave True Women

Posted on 09.06.10 by Kimberly Wagner | Twitter: @KimberlyWagner7
Topics: Impacting your world

You may not know my friend, Rita, but I hope you know (or are) a woman like her. Rita hasn’t published any books or blog articles. You’ll not find her listed as a speaker at any women’s conferences, and she’s never taught a Bible study class or been hailed as one of Christianity’s most influential women–but she’s a favorite true woman of mine.

Several years ago, Rita was a struggling church member . . . wanting assurance of her salvation. I’ll never forget her question one day, “Is it possible to ‘want to be a sheep’ but still be ‘just a goat’ instead?” And I’ll never forget the day her best friend led her to Christ and Rita called me screaming in the phone, “I’m a sheep! I’m a sheep!!”

As “a sheep” Rita lives out her purpose of bringing God glory as a true woman. A typical day for Rita consists of serving others . . . from feeding her husband, his co-workers, and whatever grandchildren happen to be spending the day with her, to caring for her aging parents. She takes time each week to clean our church–not for financial gain, but as a ministry.

Whenever there is a death or illness in our church family, Rita immediately jumps into action placing calls and organizing meals while asking individuals to pray.

Recently, a young couple began attending our church because of Rita and her husband’s influence. The woman wanted to meet with me for counsel, but insisted Rita come along because she has served as a “Titus 2” model in this young woman’s life.

Rita has no idea I’m writing this post about her today, and will probably protest the way I’ve highlighted her life (sorry, Rita, but your example needs to be seen by others). I think it’s important for all of us to remember that being a “True Woman” means loving God and loving others, and it is fleshed out by serving those God has placed directly in your life.

I’m thankful for the way God uses women who are gifted authors and speakers to motivate, inspire, and encourage, but I am equally grateful for those who serve in the nameless trenches of life–where only God and a few others glimpse their faithfulness.

How are you living out True Womanhood today?

Do you have a True Woman in your life who has inspired you? I’d love to hear about her!

Comments

  1. I thank Nancy Leigh DeMoss for being my and always pointing me back to Christ to glorify Him and heeding to His instructions that I can encourage other sisters and also be encouraged and comforted. Nancy, you are a true woman that the Lord has blessed me with to inspire, motivate and help me personally to grow in His grace and knowledge. I thank the Lord tremendously for your godly wisdom and how God has impacted your teachings in my life. (my husband also is very grateful for your teachings.) I pray for you daily. God bless you, Nancy and thank you for being our sister in Christ.
    posted by gloria
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 7:47 am
  2. My mom was one of those women. As an invalid she modeled prayer, praise, thanksgiving and a walk of faith. She could not leave her home, and her rheumatoid arthritis which had crippled her from head to toe only allowed her to inch her way around using crutches because she was unable to sit or bend her knees. My father invented a bed which allowed her to get from a lying position to a standing position and then grab her crutches to inch across the floor surface with fragile balance using crutches. She trusted God to protect her children and raise 3 little ones in that condition with a husband of patience and grace to invented her unique bed as well as other helps to allow her to be a faithful woman at home. She quietly obeyed the Lord and wrote poetry. Her poems now inspire others. "Verse From Twisted Fingers" by Amanda Friesen which was compiled and published after her death by her husband and son. As her daughter, I now use that book to inspire the elderly where I work with her poetry and words. She said, "It doesn't matter what you lose, only what you have left. God will leave you with whatever you need to glorify God and fulfill His purpose for your life." She demonstrated just that. In her 70's, the local church sent the children to her home so she could be their SS teacher. They alll loved her! He that is faithful in that which is least is also faithful in much. Our homes are our most significant ministry out of which the light of Christ can shine through us. May we be faithful to sit at Jesus feet like Mary, hear what He wants us to hear, then follow with loving obedience, this will allow His loving fragrance to touch our world. She let her light shine at home and even today, her poetry and the fruit of her life glorify our Father in heaven. I am a grateful daughter for such a godly heritage (of both Mom & Dad).
    posted by Jewell
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 7:52 am
  3. My friend Irma has been an inspiration and encouragement to me. As an older single lady she has helped mentor many. many ladies and faithfully prays for missionaries and pastors. Although we now live in different states and cannot see each other often, I call Irma with prayer requests and she always asks how I'm doing spiritually, what I'm learning from the Lord and to keep loving others. She has prayed for my unsaved family members for decades and for others too. Everyone needs an Irma in their life to ask the 'hard' questions. I'm grateful to God that He put me in her path.
    posted by Kathryn
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 9:50 am
  4. Dearly beloved Kim!

    Rita's example was hugely encouraging. Thank you so much for sharing it!

    Two examples come to my mind of true women I would like to mention today, who have been influences in my life. The first is one of my "second mothers" (God has blessed me with several, for which I am so thankful...). This one is about 90 years old, still going strong mentally. She is not rich, yet has served the rich and poor with her counsel, prayers and kindness for many years. She has a rock-solid, unwavering faith in Christ that is unshakeable and a true testimony and inspiration to others. At one time, before I married, she and her daughter opened their home (apartment) to me, when I had a need. They have always "been there" for me. I praise the Lord for her.

    The other is a friend from an Asian country who married a dear friend of ours here in the U.S. She selflessly serves her family, church and husband, yet also manages to keep a part-time job in order to send money home to her large, poor family back in Asia, as well as sending them shipments of clothing and who knows what else. She has such a love for family and friends, and when her family visits us it is hard for me to get her to sit down and stop serving us the same way she does when we visit them -- she truly is a Proverbs 31 woman and I admire her -- I thank the Lord for these godly examples, who like Rita, may never be published or public but truly, their reward must be great in heaven! Heb. 6:10

    Loving blessings to you all today, through His love,
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 11:26 am
  5. Rita!

    She's always so sweet and bubbly (There really isn't a better word I can come up with for her.) every time I see her! I also love her willingness to help others in any way she possibly can. She was such a life saver when she and her husband let me and my family get ready, not to mention storing the cake, after getting set up outside for my June wedding. Then let us cool off and visit afterwards with her, our pastor, and his sweet wife. : )

    Yeah, I have to say that I, too, love Rita. : )
    bearcaughtbythebee.blogspot.com
    posted by Laura Anderson
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 12:37 pm
  6. My Aunt is a True Woman......she has been a mother to me ever since I was a little girl. My Aunt has always set a Godly example and because of her I know what a "true woman" looks like. She has been the kind of wife, mother, sister and friend that anyone would be proud to know. She has taught me many things over the years and she has lived what she has taught by her example. I am so blessed to have her in my life and I thank the Lord for loving me through her! I know there are others who feel just as blessed as I do!
    posted by Becki
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 2:01 pm
  7. Kim,


    I believe Priscilla, wife of Aquila, is like the woman whose example you extolled. Paul commends her and her husband as fellow workers in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 16:3) She is cited along with Aquila for taking great risks to serve and plant churches among the Gentiles. Paul must have been grateful for Priscilla' willingness to move whenever her husband was called to plant a new church. What a blessing a hostess like Priscilla must have been to the bachelor Paul when he stayed with them. What a blessing for Aquila to have a wife who would partner with him in ministry by cultivating a home where he could invite people in, provide lodging for the Apostle Paul, launch a new church, and trust that his wife embraced God's calling in their lives. I imagine that Paul marvelled at Priscilla's combination of bravery and ability to wash and mend his travel worn laundry. Surely, with so much time spent between the Apostle and this couple, there would have been great theological training caught by Priscilla. But few today understand the value of "little Prissy's" (Rom. 16: 3) humble contribution in the home to make the spread of the Gospel possible. To make it possible for her husband to relocate (Acts 18); to plant churches; to witness and develop dialogue (Act 18:26) with men like Apollos; to train and disciple missionaries; and put everything on the line for Christ.

    Priscilla's actions and devotion to her Lord and husband were published. She received gratitude from Paul and others. But there must have been a humility in her life that caused Paul to extol her work. A domestic and subordinate work, at that! It is unlikely that the work she did could have been done by a man. It is unlikely that there could ever be enough women in the church who use their homes as their number one arena for bringing glory to God.

    I say all of this to point out that your "Rita" should be the norm in churches. The feminist movement which has been creeping into evangelicalism has done a lot to revise our perception of Priscilla in the Bible. She was not known to the early church for her dissertations or business acumen. She was a pastor's wife and homemaker. That's the Priscilla we need! Thank you Kim, for being a "Priscilla" as well.

    Blessings,
    Barbara Gardner
    Holy Women of the Past/Calvary Press
    posted by Barbara B. Gardner
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 2:05 pm
  8. My friend Julie is longsuffering, never judgmental, steady, encouraging, sharing, loyal, helpful, never boastful, loving ~ the sister I begged God for as a child. His timing was impeccable, as usual. Thanks, God!! Thanks, Julie!!
    posted by Cheryl Wade
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 2:13 pm
  9. Rita, who also happens to be MY mom, is exactly how Kim describes. I have 2 of the 6 grandkids that Kim talks about and mom keeps my youngest, who is 15 months old and in the picture above, 3 days a week and always has energy for the next one to come along. We are so blessed to have her as our mom and will never be able to express to her how thankful we are for her and how much we love her. Her children, especially me, really do RISE up and call her blessed. I love you mom!
    posted by Brandi Vincent
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 2:28 pm
  10. Everything that has been said about Rita is true and then some. I thank God I am also one of her daughters! God gave her to me when I was a very lonely and confused 13 year old. She 'changed' my dad in so many ways that I resented her at first. She help open my dad's eyes to the fact that his little girl needed some structure and discipline. After growing up some, I was able to see that God actually gave me the mother I always dreamed of having. No matter what else is going on in her busy life, she talks me through many of my everyday life struggles and celebrates my joys with me. Rita prays with me when I am battling something bigger than myself. Rita has shown me what it means to be a godly mother and friend. I am so thankful God has put this wonderful women in my life!
    posted by Kristin Pielemeier
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 3:56 pm
  11. Rita is also my mom. I am her son and have 2 of her 6 grandchildren. Kim described my mom perfectly. My mom, my wife and I all became Christians about the same time and have been able to grow together. My mom and I have a special relationship and no one else could fill the spot in my life that she does. I would not be who I am today without her. She truly is a servant. Her giving spirit is truly a picture of Gods grace and glory. Those of us that have her in our lives are truly blessed. I hope and pray that all who read this can find a "Rita" in their lives.
    posted by Jon Moore
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 4:45 pm
  12. Mrs. "Mag" Sullivan was a huge blessing to me. When I met her, she had been ministering to pregnant women in difficult situations for decades. She did not accept payment, and often contributed her own money to help the girls. Mrs. Mag just served with love and faith, giving of herself, never asking for anything in return, encouraging and loving those who were difficult to love and rejected by much of society. I was not a Christian at the time, but I knew that she was, and somehow I knew that she did what she did because she loved Jesus. I had many negative experiences with "religious" people, and was very turned off to the whole thing, but I saw in her what it really meant to be a Christian. Her example made me want to know more about God and encourages me to this day to remember what it means to follow Him. I imagine there are many others out there whose lives have been influenced by hers, as mine was.
    posted by Sarah
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 6:56 pm
  13. Rita really is one of those women who are truly a gift from God. It is a great privilege to know her and have her as a friend. Her and her husband were there for me when I was going through one of the most difficult times of my life, and I can't put in to words how much they helped me. As Kim stated, Rita has never taught a Bible study class, but she has taught many Bible studies to those around her, by the way she lives her life.
    posted by Brian Kunkel
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 7:27 pm
  14. Rita is my stepmom. Stepmom is just the term used when someone is not your biological parent. When speaking about her I would never call her my stepmom. Rita came into my life when I was about 14 or 15. Ever since then she has just been my mom. Her love for me has never seemed any different than what I have seen her show to her "real" kids. I am very thankful God gave me Rita. Most important of all she never gave up on me when I wasn't saved. She planted seeds and prayed like crazy for me. There is no doubt that Rita has encouraged me to become a man who loves the Lord and wants to be a better husband and father everyday. Life is good, but eternity will be better because Rita kept on.
    posted by Jeremie Pielemeier
    on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 11:24 pm
  15. Rita is my great friend and sister in Christ and I so agree with all the comments. She is so much fun to be around and has a sweet spirit, exciting personality and contagious laugh, and has more energy to play and have fun than any woman I know her age I dont even think the grandkids can keep up with her, its got to be Holy Spirit energy. l I love her smile when she comes into church every Sunday morning , you would never know if she was having a bad day. Rita has such a love for family, others and the Lord, I have never seen a woman so passionate about spending time with
    her family , children, grandchildren , she never appears to be selfish with her time when it comes to her family, and God has blessed her with a large beautiful family that all love the Lord and are in church with her every Sunday, what a Godly legacy she is leaving ! I am sure when it is her time to go home to be with the Lord, He will say "Well done good and faithful servant".
    She has earned the praise of her family.
    "And her children rise up and call her blessed".
    Proverbs 31:28
    Rita, We love you and Bo (great picture). Tambra
    posted by Tambra
    on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 12:22 pm
  16. I am thankful Rita aka ReRe. I am Tyler, the oldest of the 6 grandkids, and I am thankful for ReRe and for always being a Godly influence.
    posted by Tyler Vincent
    on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 9:10 pm
  17. If Jewell happens to read these post again ....I wanted to get a copy of your mom's book. I too have arthritis and have eight children. Your post brought tears to my eyes and was very encouraging. I'm not as disabled as your mom (yet) but some days are a challenge more than others. Could you e-mail me or go to my blog and let me know how I could purchase a copy of your mom's book? Thank you.
    momsheart48.blogspot.com
    posted by Susan McCurdy
    on Friday, September 10, 2010 at 1:54 pm
  18. Susan,
    Maybe someone has a better way, but I did notice that Amazon.com carries the book -- used, but reasonable price. Hope this helps,
    In His love,
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Monday, September 13, 2010 at 1:06 am

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