my spiritual midwife: kay arthur
The walls around me contract and squeeze, pressing in and pushing out.
I’m reaching, reaching.
Her hand grabs mine, and she pulls. Then she crams colored pencils in my fist and says, “Go forth, and mark up your Bible.”
The words become life to me, and this world is not my home. My home and my hope are here in these pages.
I’m sitting in the balcony of the church in Marietta, Georgia, and I’m unrolling my butcher paper art–the entire book of Revelation, colored pictures on a scroll. And we stretch it out and down the row, and she looks up and nods and applauds. Nine months we live in that book, and she carries me from “In the beginning” to the last “Amen.”
That’s the last year she drives weekly from Chattanooga. So we gather friends and organize a Romans study in our church. And I can’t get enough.
We’re called to move to a new home in Tampa, and I fight it. But I find DeeDee, and she’s got me leading a Precept group there. Then I’m sitting in an airport hugging Kay. And she writes me beautiful words.
I’m in Chattanooga at the “ranch” taking notes on Philippians and memorizing the humility verses. She’s describing the crucifixion, and a storm is blowing, and it seems like the lights go out for a moment, but I can’t remember. Maybe everything just went dark for me before the light blazed.
And I can’t breathe.
She teaches me how to uncover treasure for myself, to test what others tell me.
She teaches me about lists and comparisons and color-coding and verb tenses and moods and voices and how to make my own chain references and how to study from a Bible without notes–because the Holy Spirit alone can teach me.
And my Bible falls apart.
She teaches me about God’s character and His sovereignty and oh, how that’s held me through so much.
She teaches me how to live, how to be silver refined, how to make the bitter sweet, how to battle disappointment, about tetelestai and tiqvah.
She’s a nurse, too, so I feel tied to her. She calls me a co-laborer, birthed of labor, and she assures me that nothing I do in the Lord is in vain.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. ~2 Corinthians 15:58
I have this God-sized dream of walking with her in the Holy Land, hearing her teach from the places Jesus walked and talked and prayed and rested–and died. I’m overwhelmed when I think about it. And I pray for the miraculous provision of finances that will let me do this while she and I both can.
I thank my God on every remembrance of you, dear Kay, and for the love of the Word you’ve birthed in me, for helping me to know God.
Oh, how I love you, my mother and my sister.
I ache for the day I can hug your neck again.
And I’m still pressing on,
Sandy
Celebrating with Sarah Bessey today
And linking with Lisa Jo and the Five Minute Friday community on the word prompt, home.
Yeah, I know it took a bit longer than five minutes, but I did let it spill,
and I did use the word “home” a couple times.
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Once you’re on a roll don’t stop, sister! Beautiful words and story and that is true how this is just our temporary home. (Last year I did a study on Romans too and it was so good!) Blessings to you!
LOL.
Romans good, so good. Blessings to you, too, Beth.
What a beautiful tribute! I have done several of her studies, and found her book As Silver Refined just when I needed it. Love her.
That book is so tattered…
Fabulous!
Like you, I have leaned heavily on her teaching. Her encouragement is literally courage giving. Love her, too! Her book on the Lord’s Prayer , Lord, Teach Me to Pray – changed me in deep and rich ways. This is a powerful tribute to her, well written (I hope you sent her a copy!)
Maureen recently posted..He is Home
I tweeted her.
Oh, how I love Precept studies! I’ve taken so many that I lost count. Took the Romans one. My favorite is covenant. Ever take that one? Oh, my! It should be sold with every Bible! Too awesome! I even taught it once. Was involved for a while with the group for scheduling, etc. Even had Jack in our home for a meeting. Such a great teaching ministry!
Lynn Mosher recently posted..I Wanna Be a Weeble!
Me, too, Lynn. In groups and on my own. And inductively is the only way I study on my own now. And covenant! Did that not blow your socks off!
Jack is often on my heart.
I love this. And I love your little disclaimer for the Five Minute Friday community
LOL! You don’t think Lisa Jo will sit me in the corner, do you?
Some things just cannot be said in 5 minutes. What a blessing – the mentoring, the encouragement and community!
bluecottonmemory recently posted..The Journey of Home
Amen, friend! And I find new mentors daily here in this space.
What a privilege to know Kay personally! While I’ve taught Bible studies for 30 years, I finally took the training last year to be able to lead the Precepts studies. Love empowering others to dig in to the Word!
Oh, Elizabeth. That’s awesome! We didn’t have that that kind of training back in the day (like 30 years ago.) Isn’t it exciting to see another’s face light up?
Brought back some beautiful memories of when we were young and enthusiastic. Am a little surprised that you didn’t work lunch near the Big Chicken into the tribute. Thanks…..
Oh, the Big Chicken!!!
Those were such sweet times. I miss being all together. I got your card. ♥♥♥
I need to email you. I’m terrible at pen and paper any more. I need to remedy that.
Love you so, so big!
And did you see I still have my name tag?
(Looks like it’s got a little cat hair on it.)
Love this, Sandra! I remember doing a Kay Arthur study back in the day, so this is so fun to read your tribute.
Hi, Sarah. Learning to study through her, showing me how all Scripture ties together, having her open my eyes to the wonder to where I’ve fallen in love with every word–the single biggest marker in my spiritual life.