One of my many favorite Bible stories is found in Mark 4:24-39. It’s the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman, a Greek, not a Jewess, who came to Jesus because her daughter was possessed by a demon. She fell at His feet. “First, let the children eat all they want,” He told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Jesus told her that she had answered well and that her daughter was free of the demon. (The things mothers do for their children.)

Christ and the Syro-Phoenician Woman

I am that woman. I have always felt so lucky to be included as one of the “dogs” receiving God’s provision. In “Choosing Life,” I tell several stories about my “church ladies.” These ladies meant so much to me. I saw them as the “children.” It was such an encouragement to me to meet these godly women who had a godly heritage. Such a blessing. They knew instinctively what I had to fight to learn. It was difficult for them to understand a woman like me, who came from such a troubled background. But that was okay with me. They welcomed me and accepted me. For that I am grateful.

I have to tell you another “church lady” story. When my boys were in grade school, their teachers made cactus jelly with them at school. My kids were so impressed that they borrowed the cactus strainer and brought it home for me to use. I don’t cook. The next day I happened to go to a Bible study with a group of ladies who made cactus jelly for a fund raiser. I bought every jar. (God’s provision.) I didn’t say a word. I just put the jars of jelly next to the cactus strainer on the kitchen counter. When my boys came home, they said, “Why didn’t you wait for us?” I didn’t say a word. (The things mothers do for their children!)

The word I like most in the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman is “first.” God’s love is so large and so abundant, that there is plenty of blessing for all of us. Enough for me, and enough for you.