This week continues the scriptures and thoughts of my Sister-in-Law Cathy Whitacre.
To help you get to know Cathy, I have asked friends of the
family to write a special note about how they met Cathy and maybe some of the work for the Lord they have
done together. Today's message is written by their Minister in Georgia. Thanks
so much Dave Rogers for sharing your memories with us.
Dave Rogers
Linstead,
Jamaica gets pretty hot in July and August.
That heat is especially noticeable when you pack a couple hundred people
into the roofless shell of a house in a closely-built neighborhood, cover it
with a tent, and then stay there for two hours of singing and preaching! Two years in a row, for six days and nights,
about a dozen American Christians joined with an equal number of Jamaican
brethren to conduct VBS in the mornings, and canvass the community for folks
interested in the simple gospel of Jesus Christ. Cathy Whitacre and I were among that number
both years (1987-88). We first met in
the airport at Montego Bay, and later lived about 50 miles apart, in central
Texas.
What would
lead a young, vivacious, and fair-skinned blonde woman to spend days in the hot
sun of the Jamaican highlands? How could
she leave her husband and preteen children for a whole week? Love for the Lord! Cathy was a nonstop bundle of energy,
teaching children’s classes each morning, going “gate-to-gate” every afternoon
looking for bible studies, greeting and engaging visitors to each evening’s
worship services, and generally encouraging everyone else on our mission
team. Whether trying jerk chicken for
the first time, suffering the icy shower facilities where we stayed, trying to
not scream as we passed giant dump trucks (on the “wrong” side of the road!) in
our travels, or letting little Jamaican children touch her cloud of (almost
white) blonde hair, Cathy was game for it all.
In the years
that followed those mission trips, our paths crossed mainly at lectureships and
gospel meetings; I met Gerry, Cathy met Luann, and we discovered many friends
in common among the brethren. When Rob
entered the Southwest School of Bible Studies in Austin, Texas, we all became a
little better acquainted because of that school connection. As years passed, our families moved in
different (geographic) directions and our meetings became less frequent; our
connection was initially rekindled around 2008, when Cathy discovered a ladies’
Bible class book Luann had written, and, on a whim, called her to renew the old
acquaintance. They kept in touch by
email and Facebook after that.
The ripple: I checked my email on a Sunday morning, and found a rather
cryptic note from Gerry (then an elder in Fayetteville, Georgia) – “Would you
be willing to move from Texas to Georgia to preach? I want to propose your name to the elders here
today – I need your answer by 4:00 this afternoon.” I NEARLY STRANGLED on a cup of coffee! About three weeks later, Luann and I sat at
Cathy and Gerry’s dining table, discussing the prospect of moving to
Fayetteville with the men who became OUR elders just three months later. The next two+ years were filled with the joy
of working and worshipping alongside Cathy and Gerry, as well as opportunities
to renew our friendship with Rob and Christina and their families. Luann and I learned to love and appreciate
Cathy and Gerry on a whole new level, seeing their dedication, wisdom, and
selflessness in a much more personal way than ever before. Now Cathy is experiencing a hard moment, and
we’re thankful that she’s not alone in it; she is not the frail figure WE see,
but an indomitable and immortal spirit who is only momentarily confined by
physical existence, and we’re delighted by the thought of being together eternally.
Who’d have
thought that the “ripple” of a chance meeting all those years ago in Jamaica
would lead to so many blessings and memories over the course of a lifetime?
Cathy's Corner
April 12, 2015
Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with that weep."
What a wonderful day! I am so blessed to have friends to share the good times and difficult times. Today, I enjoyed the gift of friendship. Take time to make memories and build friendships with your church family. My journey is made much easier to travel thanks to my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Your Sister Cathy
April 13, 2015
Cathy's Corner
April 14, 2015
Jude 1:21 "Keep yourselves in the love of the Lord, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life and of some have compassion making a difference."
Today I was touched with a good deed done by total strangers. After hearing of my eating challenge two restaurant employees took it upon themselves to make available to me what they thought would be the tastiest soups. Not only did they go the extra mile in prep they wouldn't even charge for them.
In our world full of negativity there are those who care about others and want to make a difference.
My heart is lifted by the compassion of these caring people.
Our Lord showed His love through the compassion to all who came to Him. Who are we touching with our acts of compassion?
Your Sister Cathy
April 15, 2015
John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full.
Each day that the Lord gives me is one full of joy never knowing what the day will bring from visitors, cards, calls and from tears to laughter. I am assured my joy comes from the comfort of knowing that the Lord is giving me the strength to enjoy each day to the fullest. Don't let the cares of this world take away the joy the Lord has given us.
Your Sister Cathy
Cathy's Corner
April 16, 2015
Psalms 121:1 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help."
As the sun slowly meets the haze it brings calm and peace to the hollow this morning. I have been told two turkey's are walking through the back yard and the deer will eventually follow their path through the yard. It won't be very long until the neighborhood dog Cletus, a large white Pyrenees makes his way to the front porch to set under my window. The busy days of life don't reach my hollow, a few trucks or farm equipment go by, or the sound of a tractor heard in the distance.
These few things I mention make each day special, how beautiful the calm can be knowing it was created for me right now when I need it. I encourage you to find your calm and lift your eyes unto the hills from where your help comes and thank God for it.
Your Sister Cathy
Cathy's Corner
April 17, 2015
Jude1:20 "But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost."
"My Faith Looks Up to Thee". This is one of my favorite songs. My Faith is what helps me every day not knowing how the day will go, yet each day brings me new opportunities as I see the love of God continually showered on us.
Over the past several months I Have watched a single flower bud blossom into a beautiful bouquet. When Gods family comes together no matter where they are, from there is nothing more beautiful. Each one who has touched my life is part of this most beautiful creation, God's family. I thank Him for my bouquet. I know yours is as beautiful as mine.
Your Sister Cathy
Proverbs 17:6 "Children's
children are the crown of old men and the glory of children are their
fathers."
Can you remembering holding your child for the first time? What joy filled your heart as you then realized the responsibility God had placed in your hands. As I am able to spend time with my grand children I feel so blessed, we laugh, play games, they read the many cards that are sent, or we just talk. Without hesitation they care for my every need. Watching them grow over the years has brought me more joy than I could ever imagine. I wear my crown proudly!
Your Sister Cathy
Thank you Debbie for sharing Cathy's thoughts with us at Good Morning Mondays. There is so much we can learn from Cathy and her heart for God, thank you again and blessings to you.
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