Many would probably have given up on our little church in the woods a long time ago. Consolidate with the bigger church in town...do not bother building a new building when the old one was broken down...How would we ever pay for a new building anyway? But not Mary Jane...she had been reared up in this church and she could not bare to see it go! She started the idea of Tamale Dinners in the spring and Turkey Dinners in the fall. Some have even called our little church in the woods..."The Church Built with Tamales!" This was hard work but Mary Jane kept things organized and it carried through to others when her sweet body could not do it anymore.
Our family was not there for the start to these dinners, but we arrived on the scene of this church community six years ago. The first person we met was Aunt Mary Jane and Uncle Lonnie (They both insisted we call them by this endearment!) and how could we resist the love of these two wonderful people! It was through their outpouring of welcome (along with Ms. Merlin and Mr. John) that we knew we had found our church home!
You might have heard the song..."Rose Colored Glasses" made famous by John Conlee in the 70s...well I think that was Mary Jane's way of seeing life and she had the glasses to prove it! She tried so hard to stay positive even in hardship. I do not think I ever heard her say a negative word about anyone! She just stayed strong and told me that people needed to work through it (any difficulty...whether self inflicted or due to situation).She brings to mind the woman in Proverbs 31...Mary Jane showed the qualities of a virtuous woman. Here I share with you the reasons I looked to Mary Jane with true admiration:
Mary Jane had Faith - A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. Mary Jane loved the Lord more than anything in her life and she shared that love with others. "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." (31:26) She followed God’s will in her walk with God on this earth.
Mary Jane was married to Lonnie for over 64 years! A Virtuous Woman respects her husband. Mary Jane was a wonderful helpmate to Lonnie all those years. "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." (31:11-12) Mary Jane definitely cared for Lonnie with great love! She also supported him in his tasks at home and beyond. Truly a great woman working beside a great man. "Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." (31:23)
Mary Jane was a wonderful and caring mother and grandmother. A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the faith by word and deed. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go. It was easy to see that Mary Jane's mothering by the way her children live their lives today…she showed them love and love for God and they share this love through the generations. "When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet." (31:21)
Mary Jane cared for herself and was rarely sick until the last days of her life. A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." (31:25) She lived through wars...hard times and good times...and gave her all in the ups and downs of life!
A Virtuous Woman prepares healthy food for her family. "She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family..." (31:15) If anyone doubted that Mary Jane could cook…well just stand back and wait to hear from many people…from her family to the community at large…Mary Jane prepared many a meal for others! She had her family over for dinner almost every Sunday even after her children were grown and had children of their own!
Mary Jane was the model of service to others. "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." (31:20) A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. Mary Jane gave of herself to a fault…she cared so much for everyone she met.
Mary Jane loved to share her talents for her family and her church. A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." (31:13) She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. I know that Mary Jane was often the first one to arrive and the last to leave when work had to be done. "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." (31:17) She was the most successful woman I know in everything she did because she had a way of getting others to help her without even thinking twice! She did all of this within just a small radius of miles...She was born and died in the same town!
Mary Jane was the epitome of the endearing housewife. A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker creating an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests.. "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." (31:27) We could all learn a lesson or two about how to cheerfully take on the work of wife and mother from Mary Jane!
Mary Jane was beautiful both inside and out! A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. Mary Jane's beauty within came out in her like a shining light…a joy for all to see! "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (31:30)
Above all else...Mary Jane was the best prayer warrior! I always knew that if I had a prayer request, she was the one to turn to be persistent in prayer. She prayed for Michael's safety daily over the last few years while he has been deployed overseas. She prayed for Amanda when she went to New York. She prayed for all of us at Moral! I think she knew to pray for us before we did!
A little story about this sweet lady..one of the last times she was at church before she became sick...The first Sunday of January 2012...Mary Jane came up to me after Mass and said.."So when is this baby coming?" I looked at her in surprise...I had not told anyone I was pregnant...not even Michael! I told her she must be mistaken and she got real embarrassed and apologized over and over! It was then that I realized I had to tell everyone the news...before Mary Jane got me in trouble! LOL! The next week...I hoped to tell Mary Jane but she was not there! I felt so bad and I wish I had not had to tell her that little lie! Mary Jane only came to Mass a couple of times after that day. I was so glad she made it to Mass with us after Zaira was born so she could meet my little surprise! She got a good laugh about that incident...and it just shows how in tune she was with those around her.
I can only think of a few people I have loved so much outside of my own family! She was family and she would not have had it any other way! I miss her already...but she will not be forgotten! I am so thankful for God blessing her in our lives! May God bless her in Heaven! May her soul rest in peace!
"Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
'Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.'
...Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (31:28-31)
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