God's Ladies in the Workplace
My special friend, Beverly Futrell
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I met Beverly several years ago when I moved to Paducah; however, I really did not meet the true Beverly until a few months ago when my husband and I joined an Experiencing God Bible study. (I think everyone should take time in life to participate in personal Bible study like Experiencing God, because it prompts a deeper more personal relationship with God and those within the study group).
A mutual friend, who was also in the study, highlighted Beverly to me; you see because Beverly is always so quiet and speaks so softly, my strong choleric personality over shadowed her, and there were several of us.
When I began to listen to what Beverly was saying, even though meek and quiet spoken, God showed me a multifaceted diamond; the kind even the richest of this world cannot afford. It is the kind only God has and only God can make. Scientist in labs make diamonds every day, but not like this diamond, this diamond was made by the pressure and purifying of God! The trials to blessings that mold, shape and strengthen hearts of those He is developing into the image of His own Son.
As you read Beverly's words of wisdom, it is my prayer you will receive the depth of her heart and allow what she says to impact your life for the Glory of God.
In Christ
Theressa Lindsey, Director UM
I met Beverly several years ago when I moved to Paducah; however, I really did not meet the true Beverly until a few months ago when my husband and I joined an Experiencing God Bible study. (I think everyone should take time in life to participate in personal Bible study like Experiencing God, because it prompts a deeper more personal relationship with God and those within the study group).
A mutual friend, who was also in the study, highlighted Beverly to me; you see because Beverly is always so quiet and speaks so softly, my strong choleric personality over shadowed her, and there were several of us.
When I began to listen to what Beverly was saying, even though meek and quiet spoken, God showed me a multifaceted diamond; the kind even the richest of this world cannot afford. It is the kind only God has and only God can make. Scientist in labs make diamonds every day, but not like this diamond, this diamond was made by the pressure and purifying of God! The trials to blessings that mold, shape and strengthen hearts of those He is developing into the image of His own Son.
As you read Beverly's words of wisdom, it is my prayer you will receive the depth of her heart and allow what she says to impact your life for the Glory of God.
In Christ
Theressa Lindsey, Director UM
Multifaceted Beverly or the
Heart of the Meek Ones
Hello, my name is Beverly Futrell and I work in a hospital as a registrar, and I have for over 25 years. When I was a little girl, I’m sure I didn’t want to be a registrar when I grew up. As a matter of fact I didn’t have a clue or a desire to be anything. Now at the age of 58 I can see that I’m a registrar because that’s where God wanted me to be. Working in the cardiovascular department registration, I am blessed to help patients (really nervous patients) and their families who are having a serious test regarding their heart or vascular system. I understand why they are nervous. If I was to have a serious procedure as this I wouldn’t be able to sleep the night before. It’s not that I would worry about the results; God is in control. I would be nervous about the aggravation of needles, and nothing to eat or drink. One in my multitude of sins is always having a cup of coffee in my hand.
I feel my delight as a Christian is to make the patient and family relax and to help do small things to make them comfortable such as a warm blanket and before I leave their room, I usually say “may God bless you today.” Most of them instantly relax and thank me as soon as I speak God’s blessings. I truly believe this is my mission to make people laugh, relax, but most of all I want them to feel God’s peace and I hope they see God in the test results. Another added blessing, when I settle the patient into their room, it saves the nurse’s time and steps so they attend to the patient’s care.
When working in a public place that is really busy, you have many coworkers of different background, race, and of course ages. There’s no way everyone will always get along but as a Christian we are taught to love one another as God has loved us. We also have many lessons from the Bible in order to live peaceably with our family, coworker, and neighbors.
The verse I feel we all need to take to heart is Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily to the Lord and not unto men.” If you do you work heartily to God and realize he is the only one you really have to please this makes working hard and doing the right thing easy and it doesn’t matter what anyone else will say or think about you. The success ladder that coworkers climb will sometimes hurt, degrade, and knock you down. But if you are serving the Lord and doing what’s right it won’t matter what happens. If it’s you climbing the ladder, when you love and work heartily for God no one will get hurt by your success.
Let’s look at two of my many favorite people in the Bible who are good examples. My first example is Anna. You will find this great lady in Luke 2:36-38. Most people don’t know about this wonderful old lady because she appears in only three verses. She is mentioned after Simeon so she is set in his shadow during the dedication of baby Jesus. The bible doesn’t give her exact age but she should be well over 90 years old. She works daily in the temple and she prays and fast. Verse 38 said “she coming in that instant” it wasn’t an accident that she just walked into the temple to work or pray just as Jesus was being dedicated. God planned to show her the Messiah and “she went and spake of Him to all them that looked for Redemption.” You can never be too old to work, tell about God’s love, or to pray. Often I pray to be like Anna and serve God when I’m 90 to 100 years of age, He used her and blessed her and she must have loved Him because she went to him in daily service. If you work heartily unto the Lord, there won’t such a thing as burnout. You may get physically tired sometimes, but your heart will still be in His service, and God will give you rest or more strength keep going.
The next Bible example of heartily working for the Lord is found in Acts chapter 6 his name is Stephen and he was picked to be a disciple to carry on the ministry of the word. In Acts 6:5 “they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” Then in verse 8 they added power. The religious leaders spoken of in verse 15 “All sat in council looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as that of an angel.” Now who wouldn’t want a face like that in the midst of all the conflict, drama and trauma of this life? Next, go to chapter 7: 59-60. During the stoning of Stephen, he called on God, kneeled down, and prayed for the Lord not to lay this sin to their charge. Haven’t we all had days when we walk out from work and would feel beaten or stone to death and not wanting to go back tomorrow. Then following Stephen’s example we need to pray for them as Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.” Remember the Pharisee Saul consented to Stephen’s death. Saul’s name was changed to Paul when he became a Christian and who later wrote many books in the New Testament.
Saul and the religious leaders were wrong about Stephen. Stephen was God’s child and was doing the right thing. Hey I’m no saint as Stephen and I find this very hard to do but when I do as Jesus said, I find peace in the “life’s not fair” situation, a peace that is deep and freeing me so I can see God’s blessing in the pain. I Peter 5: 6&7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. You need to give it all to God’s mighty hand because God loves and cares for you. He may not fix the situation the way you like but He will always be with you.
My job is one of the lowest positions in the hospital but everyone higher up needs the correct information I provide to do their job better for the patients’ cares and needs. No matter where you serve or where you are in life; God can use you. If we could have Anna’s self-control, endurance, perseverance and love then add Stephen’s faith, filled with the Holy Spirit and power wouldn’t we be an awesome Christian for God’s service and do our work/mission heartily? Aren’t these some characteristics of the fruit of the spirit that is in Galatians 5. God promises to give them to each of us. Think about it isn’t an angel a messenger for God. A heavenly creature he created to deliver his words or to do a task. And aren’t you an earthly creature created to deliver his word or to do a task for his glory. Anna and Stephen proudly delivered his word. Now all we need is a beautiful face of that of an angel. If the council could see it in Stephen, don’t you think someone could see an angel face in you?