Mike’s Musings …
“The Almsdeeds Which She Did”
When Luke records a brief obituary of Dorcas (Acts 9:36 – 43), he states, “this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” The widows showed Peter the several coats and garments she had made. Indeed, Dorcas was an incredible woman! We are not told how aged this righteous woman was, but it seems reasonable that the late GENEVA STEVENS would have rivaled her regarding good works and almsdeeds, not to mention garments, paintings, crafts, community involvement, volunteer service, or even her faithfulness to God!
Geneva was the “Tonka Toy” of West Second Street church of Christ. Few have endured the number of broken bones (some more than once), suffered surgeries to implant the “hardware” needed to strengthen those bones, and strength to recover and carry on with desired works. When recovered, she didn’t let the steps bother her entrance or exit from the building; neither did she stop driving herself to every service, as well as other places where good deeds were needed! She continued her exquisite oil painting (learned after the age of 60), her making of beautiful garments she displayed herself in the fashion shows of the county fair, and the constant sharing of her baked goods with everyone … including those of us who were trying to diet! Oh, and did I mention she continued doing all this and more until she was 100 years strong?
At the age of 103, Geneva departed this life early morning, April 22. It was a bitter/sweet visit I had with her earlier this month. Her body exhausted from the strain of more than five-score years, she muttered only, “I’m dying,” and closing her eyes returned to her comforting slumber. I worded a prayer that she never heard, kissed her forehead (our customary sign of affection after her 100th birthday), and cried as I left her room. Now, she rests from her labors and her works follow her. (cf. Revelation 14:13)
I muse on the tremendous blessing it is to have known such a lady as Geneva! She is not the only “centenarian” I’ve known, nor the only Christian I’ve known and loved who reached that esteemed milestone. So many times she told me, “I didn’t intend to get this old, but since I am, I need to stay busy.” Perhaps those good works and almsdeeds kept her living! At the very least, they, like her example, are highly treasured examples of righteousness before our God that are only useful if we follow in kind. We too will sometime depart this life … but with good works and almsdeeds that please God? If not, why not?