The Fairest is a Lady
The fairest of women is a lady, my friend
who warms every heart, charity not to pretend.
One honorably respected by her peers,
integrity’s beauty confirmed through the years.
She is concerned with others’ every need,
tenderly scattering love’s precious seed.
Careful not to take dignity away from a saint,
but setting encouraging words upon each plate.
If I can but possess one-tenth of her stature,
I will forever be grateful in that much to capture.
The fairest one, a lady having given her all,
supremely answering the ministry’s call.
The fairest one, a lady having given her all,
supremely answering the ministry’s call.
I would like to give honor to whom honor is due. Many an influence has passed on but many are living - true examples for whom I am eternally grateful. Their ages vary, their locations scattered, and their personalities individual and unique but each has and continues to touch my life with words of wisdom and genuine concern - while always faithfully giving, without expecting anything in return. Each one is considered the fairest of ladies.
14 comments:
Sis. Hopper,
From what I can tell, you fit the "Lady" category, as well does your daugther, Kellee.
Monica, your words are so kind, and I feel so honored. Even though I am her mother, I feel Kellee is such a precious example, and has such an extraordinary love for God, which makes my heart rejoice.
Hey Aunt Karen!! Sis. Keyes had me look at look at your blog today! I've been considering the "Fairest is a lady!" You know, we each strive to be the best that we can be, and I for one feel that I can never measure up! I guess that the prayer should be to somehow be the perfect person that God made us to be. Since you and I are created uniquely individually in God's perfect way for just "Me" and just "You!" Sometimes, I for one, in my VERY insecure self worth, find myself trying to measure up to peers, mentors, or others in ministry! But, I pray that somewhere I can be called "faithful" and called "The Fairest." Thanks for your sweet spirit, your endurance and faithfulness,
All my love,
Your Neice,
Susan Hill
Well, I was watching the Keyes with their "Buddy" dog and not paying attention, I didn't "look at look at" your blog, I did it just once!! LOL I made a typo error!!!
Susan
Karen,
What a beautiful word of picture of many women I admire including you> :)
Well written.
Just beautiful! I have many ladies I admire like this.
This is a beautiful tribute to all those ladies. I too have many in my life that I admire and hold in highest esteem. Of course my mother would be the "Fairest of them All", but I am so thankful for the others in my life as well.
Susan,
What a surprise. Thank you for dropping by. Please, don't try to measure up to anyone's standards, just continue to do the work you are now doing along side Stephen. Women in the ministry seem to put unnecessary burdens on themselves. Just be yourself and let the beauty and talents that God gave you shine through. Love you, and see you at Missions Conference tomorrow night.
Shannon,
We are blessed in life with beautiful godly women, and we certainly need to recognize them, even more so in the day in which we live. Remember you are an example by being women's prayer leader, and you are doing a great job (Kellee sends me your email prayer requests).
Linda and Ronda,
When I was writing this, I keep thinking about your mother, Sis Layne. She was one who made such an impression on my life. She taught me that my actions would speak louder than my words (by her soft gentle nature) - and the beauty of a smile (hers was such a beautiful smile). I consider her one of the fairest of ladies. And I think she has daughters that are following in her footsteps.
Hi Karen, Did you write this poem? Although I usually don't care for rhymed poetry, I like this one for its mystery. It is layered with meaning.
On one level, it seems to be about aspiring to be a 'Christian lady."
On the next, I realized the "lady" might not be Christian at all. "Ministry" is not solely Christian.
And finally, what if the Lady is Mary? Certainly, she can be described as, "The fairest one, a lady having given her all,/
supremely answering the ministry’s call." Can't we all aspire to be like the woman God chose to be the Mother of Jesus?
Just thought. Helen
Helen,
I did write this poem, and am honored that a poet would find it interesting. It was originally written for women in the service of the Lord who have blessed my life. Your thoughts are great, and added new dimension to the poem. Helen, I feel so honored by your comments.
Beautifully said. Immediately my mind was flooded with faces - some seen only once - and I am thankful for each.
Catherine,
I am still pondering on the women who have made a difference in my life. I, like you, may have seen some only once but what an impression they left.
Just beautiful. I immediately had several names pop into my head. You know, Helen said ministry is not solely Christian and that made me think of the wonderful public school teachers my children have had throughout the years. This was a very thought provoking post.
Jana, your mother Sis Wilson is on my list of honorees. She is a wonderful woman, and has always graciously extended time for me and my family. And like I said to Ronda and Linda, I believe you to be following in your mother's footsteps too.
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