“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl, instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
A New Study
The Sunday bulletin announced that a new Bible study group was forming. Miss Trudy, as I referred to her, asked me personally to be part of the class. She was the wife of our eldest pastor, and a strong woman of faith. The nine-week study gave an overview, or as Miss Trudy put it, a taste of each book of the Bible. She informed us that it wasn’t a deep dive but just the Basics of the Bible. Consequently, we learned that the Bible was written by 40 writers over a period of 1,600 years, resulting in 66 books. Another key point is that 39 books are placed in the Old Testament, and 27 books are arranged in the New Testament.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV.
I looked forward to gathering for Miss Trudy’s class and learning new tidbits of Biblical information. I sensed that Miss Trudy’s study was more than just “Basic”, it was foundational. She encouraged us to learn the Books of the Bible for memory, rather than relying on those “cheater tabs”, that mark the Books in the Bible. Each week our homework consisted of memorizing the Books in each of the categories. In this way, by the end of the 9-week course, we would have them down pat.
Old Testament
Law-Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy History–Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Poetry– Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon Major Prophets– Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel Minor Prophets – Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
New Testament
Biography – Mathew, Mark, Luke, John History – Acts Paul’s Letters – Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon General Letters – Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, I, II, & III John, Jude Prophecy – Revelation
A strategy that Miss Trudy suggested for memorizing the books was to study them by section. For example, we memorized the Books of Law using a first letter strategy. By remembering the first letters, I was able to memorize the books by category. Like a child with a new treasure, I found myself pouring over the information that I was studying. Whenever I had a free moment, I would jot down the first letter of the section we were learning.
G– Genesis
E– Exodus
L– Leviticus
N- Numbers
D– Deuteronomy
Undoubtedly, there was a supernatural awakening in my heart and soul as I learned the order of these Books. Without question, my faith walk is richer for following this spiritual practice.
The Lightbulb Moment
“From the beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation, one important theme weaves through the books of scripture.” This theme Miss Trudy taught us is the “scarlet thread”.
“The story of Jesus, and His sacrifice for mankind. In the Old Testament, the blood of animals had to be shed as the sacrifice for sin. In the New Testament we learn about Jesus, His death, resurrection, and our atonement by His blood being shed.” (Just the Basics/2022)
How beautiful is this imagery of a scarlet thread masterfully threaded through 66 books, all masterfully sewn together by our God.
Miss Trudy struggled with tremors which were gradually becoming worse. It was her hope that leaders would rise up from this class to facilitate the study when she was no longer able.
While considering her hopes, I came to realize my time with Miss Trudy had become a source of great contentment for me. Moreover, I began to see her as a motherly/grandmother figure. Her gentle, loving ways were settling into a deep crevice carved into my heart from long ago.
Miss Trudy’s example soon got me thinking about my own responsibility in becoming a Godly example to women, particularly the younger women around me. How wonderful our God is when we recognize that “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely, I have a delightful inheritance.” Psalm 16:6
There are younger women in my life that I daily associate with from family, church, work, and neighborhood, and we only need to seek Godly wisdom to recognize this.
The Younger Set
Spending time with my daughter and one-year-old grandson is invigorating. I am delighted to take part in conversations with her and her thirty-something friends. Interacting with these young women is a responsibility I handle with great love. The Holy Spirit is making me keenly aware that my words need to be carefully chosen. I remember being a young, inexperienced wife and mother.
Responsibilities of being a loving wife, raising children, caring for the home, maintaining friendships, and keeping up with Bible study and church can be overwhelming. Women need each other. Additionally, women need community.
However, even more than community, women need the loving arms of Jesus. “Come to me, all you who are wary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
While it is true that older Christian women don’t do life perfectly, I am grateful we serve a God who offers fresh daily blessings. The deceiver may whisper words that cause us to doubt our role in encouraging younger women. He is the father of lies and likes nothing more than to fill our heads with doubt and distraction.
Silence that voice! “Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NIV
Start Encouraging Other Women
- Pray for wisdom daily as you seek to encourage other women.
- Actively Listen Make eye contact, and genuinely hear what others are saying.
- Actions speak for themselves. Let others “catch” you being merciful, loving, and helpful.
- Observe ways to help women organically. Be the one who notices when a woman is not herself, needs a helping hand, or needs a listening ear.
- Mind facial expressions and tone when speaking with other women. Be a light, not a judge.
Additionally, women need to take special care of their Spiritual health. Some daily tasks for caring for yourself include:
Protecting Our Spiritual Health
- Begin the day with Scripture and journaling. Make it a priority.
- Keep your first hours of the day free from social media.
- Pray, and spend time with God daily.
- Be mindful of what you feed your mind and body. Meditate on scriptures that encourage you.
- Be in a small group, Bible study, or community of believers.
Scriptures to Meditate On
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Miss Trudy’s Legacy
After we completed the 9-week Basic Bible class, Miss Trudy encouraged me to teach an evening version of the Basic Bible class, while she continued to teach a morning class. I accepted and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We touched base often: when students asked questions that I was unsure of how to answer, or when I needed her advice on matters.
When my husband and I vacationed in the beautiful Utah mountains, I sent her photos to share the beauty and wonder of the experience. I knew she would appreciate the awe-inspiring glory of the landscape. Of course, she shared in my enthusiasm.
Last year, I received a heart-wrenching text from our pastor. Unexpectedly, Miss Trudy had suffered an episode and was in a coma. Later that day, with her husband and family surrounding her, she passed into the loving arms of Jesus.
I wondered if she knew how much she meant to me. Did she realize how much I appreciated her gentle presence and Godly wisdom? I may never know this side of Heaven, but for now, I have responsibilities in my daily walk.
Father God, may I be a light and an encourager for other women as Miss Trudy was for me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen