My Hall of Fame

At the end of one of the biographies I read in Warren Wiersbe's 50 People Every Christian Should Know, he said: "Martyn Lloyd-Jones and I were discussing . . . over dinner one evening . . ." Although I'm not familiar with Martin Lloyd-Jones, my home pastor quoted him often. I was thrilled at the thought of sitting with a great person of faith!

That got me thinking about the people I have known that were great believers in God, and influenced my life for Him. Let me share about some . . .


Elaine was an older women who took notice of a young co-worker in her mid 20s who was lost and needed help. She planted the seed that took me to church where I found Christ and was saved. "I think you'll find what you're looking for at church," were her words to me. She befriended me and walked through a number of years with me, good and bad. Although I attended an Episcopal church throughout my childhood, there was no Christian influence in my home. Elaine is my hero who directed me to the one that I now live for.

Robert Crowley was the pastor at my home church, Montrose. Under his leadership and guidance I grew and was nurtured in the Christian faith, and I credit him for the understanding and strength I have in my faith. I attended his class, "The Sermon on the Mount," which focused on that great passage in Matthew. It was a nine month class that changed my life. I also saw him as a father figure, as my Dad was an alcoholic. There was no communication in our home, and it was cold in affection and love.

I seem to be drawn to older women of great faith, and friends with godly wisdom. I believe in friendship, and I strive at being a good friend. In honor of my 55th birthday a number of yeares ago, I hosted a "Celebration of Friends" party where I honored 16 ladies for their friendship, friends going back as far as grade school.


Lee, Linda B., Carol, Jeanette, Kathy, Mary, Anne, Pam, Melody, Sandy, Holly, Diana, Barbara, Rachel, Paula, and Linda A. have all contributed to the good in my life through wisdom, inspiration, encouragement, laughter, knowledge, and many other ways.

I'm now sitting under another man of God, Michael Trammell. He stands tall in the pulpit and brings forth God's word in truth and with conviction. I feel drawn to him as I was Pastor Crowley. Good preaching and teaching are so important, and I know I will hear words that will inform, teach, inspire and encourage when he preaches.

I want to mention one more individual who is in my Hall of Fame. Her name is Alice, and was only an acquaintance. During an extremely difficult time in my life, Alice wrote me a note to encourage me. That note changed my life, and my ministry of notewriting to encourage began. The gifts God gave me were destined to be used to encourage the hearts of others. Thank you, Alice.

What about you? Who would be in your Hall of Fame? To quote C. S. Lewis, "Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a fire?"

I don't think so.