Remembering Ruby...

 

"Who can find a virtuous woman?

For her price is far above rubies."

(Proverbs 31:10)

Ruby Justice has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember; first, as the mother of my "best friend," Shirley, then, as a close friend of my mom, and later, (after mama died) she became a friend to me. My general conference buddy, we traveled back and forth, sharing hotel rooms, plane rides, food and fun. We always had fun, no matter who else was with us. Count on Ruby to bring joy and laughter into any and every situation. No one could sit in the mulligrubs long when Ruby was around.

Jesus took Ruby home with Him on May 3rd. It's remarkable that her transition was so close to Mother's Day and that it was reuniting her with Shirley and Gene, as well as Eugene and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What a reunion that must have been! 

Mother's Day always makes me think of the Proverbs 31 woman. And as I sat in her funeral service the following Friday, it came to me that Ruby was a Proverbs 31 woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great, great-grandmother! To illustrate what I mean, let's look at the Proverbs list with Ruby in mind...

• The heart of her husband safely trusts in her -- What loving care she took of Eugene, life-long!
• He lacks nothing of value -- Eugene oozed pride (the good kind) in his godly wife.
• She will do him good (not evil) all her life -- In sickness and in health, no matter what!
• She works willingly with her hands -- A spotless house, an open door, and a friendly welcome. 
• She gets up early and provides food for her family -- Truth, Lord!
• She's diligent, thrifty, careful, capable, and strong -- Ruby's life example was good stewardship.
• She was aware of her responsibilities and did them to the best of her ability.
• She was compassionate, reaching out to those who are hurting.
• When hard times came, she was not afraid for her family. She had provided for them.
• She dresses herself well -- Neat as a pin and twice as pretty (with help from Jim).
• She makes her husband look good. He is respected -- No wonder he was so proud of her!
• She's wise and kind, her instructions are faithful -- Were you listening? Do you remember?
• She takes good care of her house -- Oh, My! Need I say more on that score?
• She's not idle, nor is she a busybody -- My mom loved that about Ruby.
• Her children rise up and call her blessed -- More truth, and she deserved every word.
• Her husband "sang" her praises -- His heart and his home overflowed...
• Others do well and are virtuous, but she excels them all -- Ruby was a good example!
• Because she honored and feared the Lord, she shall be praised -- She was, is, and will be!

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise..."

(Proverbs 31:30-31a, NIV)

 

Raise His Banner High!

By Jill Friedman

Whenever Bro. Charles Wilson came to the platform,I knew he was going to cheer me up by preaching faith and a positive message like no one else could. In my mind he is still preaching. There are no limits to Charles' God, who is everywhere and everything wonderful.

I'll never forget his story about the difference between an optimist and a pessimist: "You can put a pessimist in a room full of gold and he'll find a flaw in something; but if you put an optimist in a room full of horse manure, he'll say, "Oh boy! There must be a pony in here somewhere!"

I considered the home in which the Wilson boys were raised. The steadfast, quiet assurance in God of Bro. Wilson, Sr., must have had a profound influence on his sons because his steady faith is found in them also. There's no shadow of wavering. This friendly man wants to serve God. He has no hidden agendas. He is cheerful, willing, and quick to respond to needs as they arise. His joy is in the Lord. Nobody can take that away. Although Sis. Wilson has gone on home to glory, her excited testimonies and zeal for the Lord linger. her cheerfulness and kind words helped me many times. Her calm understanding had a steadying effect on her home. She busily worked on a job until she retired, but still managed to put God first. She based her family on a good foundation, the Word of God. With her husband, they two pulled together for over fifty years. Faithfulness and authority stabilized their efforts.

This family caught a glimpse of the gold in the hills of God. The extreme riches that are hidden to most have always been open to their eyes. The Wilsons visualized the beauty and romance, pageantry and great adventure of being a Christian while some cannot get past the drudgery of every day life in the wilderness.

Jesus, please anoint our eyes with eye salve and let us buy this gold. May we too wear the garments of the Christian life with grace and hope and joy. Let us lift Your banner high (as Bro. Charles was taught, believed, preached, and lived,) and "do exploits" in Jesus' Name!

Editor's Note: Sunday School Teacher, leader of our puppet ministry, saxophone player, and singer of unique songs - Sis. Jill is a multi-talented lady and a willing worker in the Kingdom of God.

Who Will Take His Place?

A Tribute to James L Kilgore...
By Rachel Coltharp

There was a man who took notice of sparrows; those that fell to the ground with broken wings. He noticed them, gathered them, bound their wings, and protected them from predators that would have likely made quick work of these wounded creatures. With gentle hands, he wiped the bloodied birds, wrapped the broken bones, and fed them until they mended. Then he gave them the confidence to fly again... and fly we did. Fly we do.

Who will take his place? 
There are two answers...
  

#1 Somebody else.

#2 Me.

It is not arrogance that replies with the second answer. It is what we are called to do; to notice the pain of others, to give sacrificially, to live for something BIGGER than ourselves. To cast every crown, every praise, every accolade at the feet of Jesus. To be Jesus in skin.

Who will take his place?

We will.

Long live the memory of the man who noticed, who was never too busy to shelter, to mend, and to teach us to fly.

_____________________

Editor's Note: Bro. James L. Kilgore pastored in Houston, Texas for many years. Close friend of our Bishop, Charles R. Grisham, Bro. Kilgore was a man of vision and passion, with the heart of a servant. This tribute was written by Rachel Coltharp.