HER HATS AND HER BIBLE

HER HATS AND HER BIBLE

   Nearly twelve years ago, a sweet lady, sitting three rows back from the front pew on the south side of our auditorium, motioned for me to come to her. The brethren at Orleans had asked me to begin working for them as the preacher, and this lady had something she wished to tell me. I didn’t even know her name then, but her introduction to me was very pleasant, while challenging. She said, “I’ve heard of you, and a friend of mine who knows you said you’re strict regarding the Bible. I’m glad for that because that’s what we all need.” I thanked her, and continue to value her assessment, praying it is correct!

   For the next several years, JANET CROSS was a great friend! She was a faithful member of this congregation for many years. Her health failed her in recent years, requiring her and her husband, Rodney, to make Paoli Health and Living their home. When Janet’s health continued to decline, she moved to Brown County Health and Living in Nashville, while Rodney stayed in Paoli. Rodney passed away in 2022, and Janet died on June 1, 2025.

   Janet was a quiet, unassuming woman, but with a great love for God’s truth and righteousness! She had two claims to fame among us: her hats (which were plentiful) and her Bible! Soon after her confinement to the nursing home, their chattels were sold at auction. Purposefully, I bought her Bibles (all I could find!) and a sign that displayed Rodney’s dealership when they lived in Florida. He was amused at the sign, but Janet was ecstatic at receiving her “favorite” Bible again – one with a large four-leaf clover pressed between its pages.

   I often muse on Janet and the several times we visited. She never failed to ask for a prayer before I left. I’ve certainly considered her challenge to me many times since we first met. I feel blessed that she trusted me to help with challenging temporal matters she didn’t fully understand. And yes, I miss her hats and her clutching of her Bible with the four-leaf clover. In our eyes, she died in the Lord. She now rests from her labors.