I would not be writing this today if it were not for her. A role model is defined as someone whose character, life, and behavior, is taken as a good example to follow. I am blessed to have several role models throughout my lifetime: my grandmother, my mother, and aunts who lived their lives setting a good example. All of these ladies play a significant role in my life and I was very close to all of them, but Gladys came into my life when I was young mother living far away from family.

Within my church was a ministry where retired-aged women delivered a bible to young mothers who recently had a new baby. Soon after the birth of my second child, and missing my own family terribly, Gladys showed up at my apartment doorstep holding a new bible. My first reaction was embarrassment, because my house was a mess and I was still in my nightgown. Gladys not fazed by the chaos, walked right in to deliver the new bible. After visiting she sat and asked to pray with me. Even though our conversation was short, when she walked out my door I felt like a new person. Little did I know at that moment I just met a woman who would change my life.

Since our first meeting, she would seek me out at church to give me a hug. She would always tell me what a good mother I was and shared how much she loved my husband. Feeling insecure with my mothering abilities, I soaked up her words like they were water in a desert.

Missing my own grandmother, Gladys was a welcome addition in my life. Unfortunately at times her words of encouragement bounced off my harden heart. She reminded me weekly, “Lori, God has great things for you” and told me what a wonderful mother I was and how handsome my boys were. The Lord placed this special person in my life in hopes of softening this young girl’s broken, harden heart.

Hearing these encouraging words over the years slowly developed a desire to become what she saw in me. Our relationship deepened, and her words of encouragement, along with her faith in God, helped me through some difficult times. I would show up on her doorstep with my problems and she would pray for me and write down scripture to meditate upon. Each time when I left her house Gladys said, “Lori, God has great things for you.” After a year of hearing Gladys’ words of encouragement I prayed, “Father what does she see in me, that I do not see in myself? Help me to become what she sees in me.”

Many years later her husband passed away and Gladys moved to another state closer to her family. Before she moved we spent an afternoon saying our goodbyes knowing that the next time we saw each other would be in heaven. Though many tears were shed that day, we spent time counting our blessings and remembering how the Lord brought the two of us together. Approximately two years later she passed away with her family around her. I still have the last letter she wrote me, it was a letter of encouragement and words saying, “Lori, God has great things for you.”

Gladys changed my life, her faith moved me closer to God, and she made me see the good within myself. Her words of encouragement spur me on even today to become all that God has planned for me to be. Maybe you never had a Gladys in your life reminding you God has great things planned for you, but in the bible God tells you he is seeking you out (Romans 3:11 ESV) and calling you his “treasured possession.” (Exodus 19:5 ESV)

Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV) reminds us, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” God knows everything about every sparrow, and yet he says you are of more value than many sparrows put together; you are valued and he has great plans for your life.

I would not be writing this today, nor would I have dreamed I would be selected to become a contributor for the book Pearl Girls: Experiencing Grit, Encountering Grace if it were not for an elderly lady who saw something in me that I did not see in myself. God sees your worth, you are of great value; so come sit, let me pray because I know God has great plans for you.

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Stop by Information In A Nutshell Blogtalk Radio show with Felice Gerwitz on September 21, from 3:30-4:30 eastern time to hear Lori Kasbeer. (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/InformationInANutshell)

Lori Kasbeer has a house full of boys–three to be exact; however, if you add her husband, the cat and the dog, masculinity runs rampant. Lori is a contributor for the newly published book Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. With a passion for reading you can find her Christian book reviews on Lori’s Book Reviews. Lori is also a devotional writer for the Laced With Grace and during her spare time you can find her blogging at Lori’s Reflections.