An ordinary hero is a person who quietly (pastors don’t qualify) and faithfully serves. These are people we should honor. Do you know any ordinary heroes? Send them to me at chris [at] theredbrickchurch.org
This week’s ordinary hero is submitted by Mary Pluhar who blogs as The Farmer’s Wife. I grew up around some people like this, and they are the salt of the earth. If I ever visit this community in Montana, I might buy Thelma and Mary and their husbands a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. Otherwise, 5th Tree, Right Side Facing the Throne.
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If she knew I was writing this, she would put her head on the table, blushing, then pick it up and give me “the look”. That’s because my friend Thelma is the epitome of “behind the scenes”. When Chris asked me to write about someone who has been a quiet hero, an encourager of faith, I truly didn’t expect it to be one of my contemporaries*. Don’t you always think of little white haired old ladies who have been at your church so long no one in the congregation remembers a time they WEREN’T in the second pew, third seat? I dug around in my memory for one of those. But then, God knocked on my head and put into my heart, my friend Thelma.
I really don’t know how to describe Thelma in any way that would do her justice. She’s warm, funny, Scottish, strong to her core, and humble beyond anyone I’ve ever met. I’ve truly never heard her say anything derogatory about anyone, and there were times I wanted to say it for her! But she wouldn’t allow it. She’s a ranchwife which entails long days outside working alongside her husband and two sons, followed by long evenings making sure they get fed and clean clothes.
After all that, Thelma quietly slips behind the piano at her church and faithfully plays every Sunday. She plays for most of the funerals and weddings in our little town, too, because it’s often impossible to find anyone who will play in public. If one of our community members is sick or has a loved one pass, there will be a casserole or rolls slipped in the door along with a note of encouragement. I see her in the 4-H booths, volunteering her help at our county fair, and baking for bakesales. But you’ll never see her accepting awards or looking for recognition in the programs that are handed out.
Some people say they’ll pray for you, and you never really know. Some people say to call anytime, and are not ever able to work you in their schedules when you do. Thelma has quietly shown me what it means to love God and those He created, with integrity and joy. God’s hands are Thelma’s hands, working, playing, helping and comforting.
*Just so the whole world knows, Thelma and I are not anywhere near the white haired old lady stage. I can’t reveal our ages, exactly, but I will tell you that we were acquainted with legwarmers and really big bangs in high school. You can figure it out from there…
I wholeheartedly agree.I have received some encouraging notes from Thelma, notes of remembrances of my mother which meant so very much to me and a personal note when I did something very difficult for me and she knew it and told me I did good! Thank you, Thelma
From someone that should have white hair by now but it is slow in coming – and I’m not complainin’.