This past weekend I said goodbye to an incredible woman of God, leader, and mentor to many. At Nancy’s Celebration of Life, stories told from her family and friends were inspiring, encouraging, and covered with such sweetness, it was impossible not to have tears of joy run down your cheeks.
Nancy Kendrick ran her race well! And Nancy made sure other women from all walks of life, did the same. Nancy lived and breathed what Titus 2 tells us; “train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands that no one will malign the word of God.”
The race we are to run is the “Faith Race.” Jesus has shown us how to persevere the race marked out just for you and me. And sum’s it up by telling us from start to finish; our eyes must remain fixed on Jesus; otherwise, we will easily get off track and lose out, (Hebrews 12:1-2). Everyone needs someone like Nancy, a mentor, to help them run their race. Someone who is willing to speak the truth, encourage and equip them. I am not sure where I would be without my Mentor and the women in my life who strengthen and sustain me.
This past weekend history was made at another type of race. The winner of the Kentucky Derby, after further review, was disqualified. I haven’t entered any horse races recently, but for many years I have been running the “Faith Derby” and mistakes are my companion, but God never has and will never disqualify me, but greatly desires you and I both to run our race well to receive the ultimate prize, (Philippians 3:12-14). Again, there is no way I could have or would have stayed in this race this long if it wasn’t for my church, and the godly women put in my path. Friends, God never intended for us to run alone. Be intentional about finding your “Nancy.” And, or, maybe you need to be a “Nancy” to someone. (Guys, this applies for you too. See Titus 2:6, Proverbs 27:17, 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:2.)
-Successful people never reach their goals alone.
-Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other women, who have her back.
-Empowered women empower women.
