I've Gone Country A blog about a city girl learning a whole new world

I have a friend who is known as the “card lady”.  For years and years she has sent cards to people for sickness, encouragement, sympathy, birthday’s,  anniversaries and for you to know that you were being prayed for and loved.

I call her Mrs. Shirley.  I have known her for many years.  Matter of fact she was in the church where I grew up.  I didn’t know her that well as a child, just knew her when I saw her in the hallway.  In the following years I got to know her differently.

My mother would speak  of Mrs. Shirley and how she enjoyed her friendship.  It was only after my mother passed away that I realized what a neat friend Mrs. Shirley was to have.

She would call, checking on me and my family.  She sent cards in the mail, often a little cartoon would be inserted from the morning paper.  It would bring a smile to what otherwise were very sad days.  We began exchanging  prayer requests and then would be excited to share with each other the outcome.

She played the piano by ear and would go and visit people in assisted living homes and play for them several times a week.  Always hoping that in some small way she could bring a smile and let them know that they were loved.

For seven years…..Mrs. Shirley continued to call and send cards to me on a regular basis.  This past summer she developed her own health problems.  She is now in assisted living.  It happened very quickly and it is hard to watch her go through this stage of her life.  I miss her calls,  her cards, our talks and laughs and I miss my prayer partner.

When I think of Mrs. Shirley I think of others too.  Like my own mother and other women I know today that go and do as she did.  The hospital visits, the cards in the mail, the dinners that feed many people after the loss of a loved one.

Even recently I received a card from both of Mrs. Shirley’s daughters carrying on the example set by their mother.  The example she taught them from scripture.  Not just reading it…but putting it into action.

I keep in touch with Mrs. Shirley.  Our talks are not the same, but she still knows who I am.  I have been blessed to watch God continue to work in her life.  She has been in her new home for several months now….and so far….she has received at least one card everyday.  This has ministered to not only her , but to her daughters.  I know that makes her smile!

I grew up in a church family that showed me the love of Christ by example.  She is one of many that I have watched show the love of Christ.  I am reminded of this scripture found in Matthew 25:40  (NIV)     The King will reply “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”.