Here is a beautiful testimony from one pastor's wife, Lory Payne (wife of Jon Payne, Gilbert, AZ), whose mother, Lory Ramos (wife of Ricky Ramos in Jaurez, Mexico) is also a pastor's wife, of the inspiring gospel transfer and the power of a mother's example to bear fruit in the next generation.
I can remember countless nights of sitting on the counter, my legs swinging, talking to my mom about every topic: cooking, fashion, theology, cleaning, friends, romance, devotions--everything! Little did I know that I was being shaped and trained in ways for which I would be forever grateful. My mom is an inspiring example to me in so many ways, and I’m thrilled to be able to honor her publicly.
My mom has been a pastor’s wife for most of my life now. My dad is one of the pastors of the Sovereign Grace Church in Juárez, Mexico. Growing up, in the back of my mind, I wanted to be a pastor’s wife. It seemed like a wonderful thing and a great privilege. I realize now that that perspective was a gift from a mom who never complained and made a practice of communicating gratefulness and faith. In God’s kindness, I am now a pastor’s wife myself. I am so grateful and feel the unique challenge and gift that it is to serve a man called to full-time ministry. I realize more now all that my mom has not only passed on to me, but modeled for me even when I didn’t realize it. There are a great many things that I admire about her, but there are a few things that stand out to me as I think of her role as a pastor’s wife.
1) My mom is a woman of unceasing prayer. As a proud little girl, I didn’t understand this dependence on God, but now, I am provoked by her relentless drawing near to God with needs, petitions, and exuberant thankfulness. I still remember my mom praying earnestly in her room, her face moist with tears. She involves God in every area of her life. There is nothing outside of God’s control and His care for her. She persistently lifts up others to the throne of grace, her husband, her children, people in the church, even strangers she has just met!
2) My mom is a woman of faith. If you talk to her, she communicates a very real, honest person that is committed to fixing her eyes on all that God is doing with a hope of eternity in view. She is a woman who “puts her hope” in God and does “not fear anything that is frightening.” (1 Pet. 3:5-6) This is particularly poignant now as her church is in a very dangerous city filled with moral chaos and increasing violence. Fear is a very tangible reality for her. And yet I see her looking to God and trusting Him completely with her life, her family’s life and those in the church that she loves. God is greater and bigger to her, and she finds refuge in His character and His promises.
3) My mom is a woman of mercy and compassion. She is like our Savior in her heart and care for others--she sees anyone in need and longs to care for them. She is generous--with her prayers, her affection, her resources, her life. Her home is one of inviting others in to serve them. I have vivid memories of random people (even complete strangers!) in random places pouring out their hearts to my mom. I believe it is because they sensed her love and compassion for them. She took the time to show Christ to someone in need.
4) My mom is a Proverbs 31 woman---she is a hard worker. I have not met anyone who personifies these verses for me more than my mom. I can think of an example from her for each one! She has always risen early to serve her family; in whatever needs to be done, whatever would serve, she rolls up her sleeves and sets herself to the task wholeheartedly, excellently and cheerfully. (we still tease her to sit down and let us serve for a change!)
These are character qualities that have made her an excellent pastor’s wife. My dad has received “good and not harm” from her. I pray that the Lord would make me as much of a blessing to my husband and to my church as she is to hers. Like her, I want to be a woman that prays fervently for God’s people, crying out to our gracious Father--rather than complain or give into self-pity or self-sufficiency. Reminding myself that He is the one that provides all that we need and all that others need. Like her, I long to be a woman who is in “perfect peace” and whose “mind is stayed on” God (Isa. 26:3), trusting Him--rather than a tossed about soul that fears the future and is led by fickle emotions. Like her, I desire to be merciful and gracious toward others--rather than impatient or self-righteous, or too concerned with myself. Like her, I want to be a worker for God’s eyes, serving my family tirelessly that my husband might be released to serve and is at peace in his home. (I have so far to go to be like you, mom!) But, I am incredibly grateful to God for giving me a mother that I can watch and emulate and seek to learn from. What an invaluable fountain of wisdom and practical help she is to me!
Mom, thank you for being my best friend and for crafting countless kitchen conversations, teaching by example, and giving me, through your life, a living picture of a godly woman.
