Post #15: The Women

August 17, 2026

19 Days Post Surgery

Today we welcomed Berkley Grace Prewitt into this world. She is my fourth grandchild and second child for Jack and Erin. What a blessing and a gift new life is. And for me specifically, it is the best medicine I could have for my recovery.

I was on my back porch before the sun rose praying for a safe delivery. I texted Jack and told him that my prayer was that every person in that delivery suite would feel and witness the absolute MIRACLE of life as another human being is added to the room without anyone walking through the door. Berkley was born at 6:45 am.

Thirty years ago, I left two-year-old Jack at Mom’s and took five-week-old Adeline Louise Prewitt to visit her namesake for the first time. As I lugged the car-seat down the hall to the bedroom, Addie strapped in tight, I could see the hospice nurse standing over my grandmother Louise. Addie was sound asleep so I left her in the seat and tilted it so Grandmama could see. When she saw the tiny figure, her grey face beamed despite her physical pain. Within minutes, she was as fast asleep as the baby.

I tip-toed into the den and sat with the nurse so I could ask her of the latest signs and predictions. Of course, only the Lord knows when he will call us home, but I thought the hospice nurse might have a direct line since they must be angels on earth.

That is when she told me something I will never forget. “Your grandmother is doing exactly what you just did a few weeks ago.” I looked at her confused. “She is laboring to get into the next life, just like you labored to get that baby into this one.”

 My laboring was worth it . . . and I know that Grandmama’s was, too.

Thinking about those hospice nurses and the nurses who helped bring Berkley safely into this world has me reflecting even more about the women. Don’t get me wrong, I have some wonderful men in my life, my husband and sons, and others who have been incredible prayer warriors for me, but when I think about the part of God’s nature that cares and comforts and serves and creates and tends, I think of the women.

·      The ones who work in the hospital, especially on night shift – that clean the rooms and deliver the food and bath the helpless;

·      My mother who rubbed my feet and legs every day;

·      My daughter who got in the shower with me to make sure I didn’t fall and decorated the house for my homecoming;

·      My friends who took turns staying with me once I got home so I would not be alone in that first week. They cleaned my kitchen and did laundry and brought me peace of mind;

·      The CNRA who came to see me after surgery to tell me I was loved;

·      Alison, who orchestrated a prayer vigil of church members in my front yard the night before surgery;

·      The friend who drives by my house to pray over me;

·      The one who calls me around sun rise to talk through spiritual truths;

·      The many who have offered time and again to run an errand or to bring a meal;

·      The ones who have texted just to let me know they prayed for me today.

These women are not just care-givers; they are Kingdom workers. They are my sisters in Christ who serve from a place of deep love and share the fruits of the Spirit in their daily living. They understand the assignment given to us by Jesus:

 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matt. 22:34-39

ALL of these women have taught me how to love, how to care and support, how to be a better friend, reflecting the love of Jesus. Every woman (and man) in God’s Kingdom is gifted and called to participate in selfless Kingdom work, in Kingdom building.

 I am sure that many of you find yourself on the list above doing something similar for someone. Or maybe you’re like me, thinking about how I want to follow their example and be a better friend. Either way, it is all Kingdom work when we do it for the Glory of the Lord, and we should strive to live it out every day, no matter the task.

The Bible is filled with women who were great at Kingdom work. The old testament has warriors and prophetesses, and a queen. Women like Sarah who taught us to trust God’s promises and Ruth whose loyalty and deep love for Jehovah are still examples for us today.

The New Testament continues the list including the ones who were essential in establishing the early church. Ones who were apostles and deacons, teachers and financial patrons. These women helped spread Christianity through their courage and love for the Lord. They understood the mission. My favorites though might be Martha and Mary, the sisters who teach us to serve others but also to remain at the feet of Jesus.

The Kingdom is here and now. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matt. 9:37). For those of us who believe, let us strive daily to be Kingdom workers in whatever we do to His full glory. And it is my prayer that Berkley Grace and Elsie Jane along with their brothers will be added to these Kingdom workers.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3: 12-14

 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Prayer

Lord, set me to live my life every day to do your will, to build your Kingdom. Give me opportunities to use my gifts for your glory. Show me how to share your love with all of those around me. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of today. Amen.

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