“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”(Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).
“Why worry when we can pray?”
Those were the last words Marian Woosley said to every visitor. Although she spent her final years in a nursing home, she never lost her sparkle. Regardless of the day’s difficulties or the topic discussed, she always smiled as she reminded us of worry’s dead end and prayer’s promises.
Mrs. Woosley suffered numerous health issues, lost her husband twenty years before, and could no longer remain home. Yet she radiated peace and joy. The reflection of Jesus’ love in her life was like a magnet that drew all ages to her.
She loved playing her keyboard while others sang along. The seventh and eighth grade girls Bible study class I teach visited her occasionally. One Christmas we gave her a large print hymn book, as the small print was becoming increasingly difficult for her to read. She gave us far more by loving us and showing us how to live well regardless of our circumstances.
Mrs. Woosley’s friends and family repeated her favorite words to one another on March 19, 2011, as we celebrated her ninety-plus years of life and entry into the presence of her Lord.
A choir member recalled Mrs. Woosley asking him to sing “the rainbow song” (Chuck Milhuff’s The Brush) to anyone who happened in while he was there. She loved its message and wanted others to hear it too. So he sang that when we give the paintbrush of our lives to Jesus, He takes our messes and, with a dip of His brush in a rainbow, signs as payment for our price. Mrs. Woosley gave her paintbrush to Jesus a long time ago and took everything to Him in prayer.
The pastor’s entire message of comfort revolved around Mrs. Woosley’s philosophy of praying rather than worrying. As she would have wanted, he shared how it can apply to our lives as well. The message was not his, nor was it Mrs. Woosley’s. The message belonged to Jesus, who freely offers each of us the reassurance Mrs. Woosley enjoyed every day.
A grandson concluded the service with their family’s travel psalm. They pray Psalm 121 before any journey. As he began reciting its words, the entire family quietly joined him from their seats. The impact of her legacy of faith grew more evident through that powerful farewell prayer by those who knew her best and loved her most.
“Why worry when we can pray?”
