by Martha June

On my thirteenth birthday, I was gifted a binder full of letters. Each letter was written by a prominent woman in my life who loved the Lord. That binder is full of encouragement, something my “words heart” will always treasure.

Here is one of my favorites-

“Dear Sweet Martha,

Happy 13th birthday! The world needs more young women like you. The world needs more of what you have to share- a positive, sweet spirit with sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. You- I’m sure, put a smile on Jesus’ face.

As a young precious woman beginning her teenage journey-please continue to be a leader-always making the most of every oppurtunity-in your home and community. You stepped up when you realized there was a need to teach the young kids in your home group. You were effective in sharing your wisdom of the Fruits of the Spirit to a group of kids who may have never heard of them if you had not blessed them by teaching them.

You are a Believer and the Salt of the Earth! The next seven years will pass quickly-and you will be turning 20 years old. I hope I’m still around to write you another letter at that milestone.

You are a blessing to everyone who knows you, and I wish you PEACE, JOY AND OVERFLOWING LOVE for the rest of your life.

I love you,

Miss Louise

Miss Louise was right; those seven (now ten) years passed in the blink of an eye.

I went to her funeral today.

Louise was unlike any woman I have ever met. She was a woman of integrity and great character. Her unique ability to speak life and build other people up is what I admired most.

I do not remember when it happened, but at some point, she claimed my family as her own. Louise referred to my siblings and I as “her kids.” Around each of our birthdays, she would do a personal drive-by to bring treats and catch up with us.

That thirteen-year-old she wrote to struggled with friends and insecurity. And each and every time I saw her, she made me feel valued and always made a point to tell me that I was beautiful. She was ready with an encouraging word at any given moment and pointed me (and others) to Christ.

A couple of things that worked wonders for my awkward years.

I watched her do the same thing for each of my family members. She was a great supporter of people.

Louise was good friends with my first boss and made sure to “keep tabs” on me. So much so that when he delivered my first paycheck, he said, “Martha, hold still and smile! We have to get a picture to send to Louise!”

I received that picture (framed) for Christmas.

I will miss Louise.

I am grateful that she made the most of every opportunity and showed me what it looks like to be generous, kind, encouraging, and strong.

My Dad said it best: “She did not have any reason to love our family, yet she did.”

Isn’t that a picture of the gospel? Jesus has absolutely no reason to love us, yet he does.

Christ’s spirit flowed through Louise in that way and tangibly showed me the love of Christ in its most natural form.

She inspires me to take note of the people around me, build them up, and show them love, no matter who they are.

I love you too, Louise.

See you on the other side.

Sincerely,

Martha June