In His goodness, God brought both of us as young wives and mothers into a fundamental church and under the ministry of a wise pastor and his wife. At that stage of our lives being under the leadership of that meek and loving shepherd has had a profound effect on both of us. We were taught, encouraged and admonished in gentleness. We never saw or heard anger but we often saw the pastor's excitement and joy at the truth God had given him from the Bible.

We learned from the delightful lady that we still call Mrs "C", our pastor's wife, that Bible study should be a joy and a time we treasure. That in our individual Bible and prayer time we find the truths, the joy, and the strength to serve the Lord.

Our memories aren't always the same because our perspectives were different. I remember talking with Sharon about the possibility that Joe was allergic to food dyes or preservatives, but I could not have told you the name of the diet. I never imagined that that conversation would have a lasting impact on Sharon. I never knew that Sharon was studying me…emulating my walk of faith. I was not teaching in a classroom but I have learned that God was using me as I shared the truths he taught me.

As Sharon was learning from me, I was learning from her. I learned from Sharon to never pray that God will give your husband patience. I watched Sharon reach out to others sacrificially. I watch her struggle with life threatening health problems, yet always being willing to trust God for physical strength when He said go.

Many women have or feel that they need a friend that they can cling to like a life raft. Our friendship has never been that type of relationship. When we lived in the same town, there was never any hesitation in dropping in for a cup of coffee and fellowship. When one of us has moved away we seldom call or write. For over thirty years we have rejoiced together, prayed together, wept together, mourned together, and been an encouragement to one another. Moving in and out of each other's life like a golden thread in a fine tapestry.

Jude 1:20-25
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
And of some have compassion, making a difference:
And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

When we met computers were as big as a kitchen! No one had mentioned the thought that someday anyone might own a personal computer. The Internet had not been invented. We could not have begun to conceive of the ministry God had in store for our friendship! There is no question in my mind but that God in His wisdom brought both of us to this time and this place that we might minister as Titus 2 Women.

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