Precious Gems

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10

            In “What the Heck is a Gimcrack?” I promised to let readers decide for themselves if the subject matter of a post was gem or gimcrack. But from time to time, I’m going to write about ladies I know to be true gems, with value “far above rubies.”

            A couple of years ago, our church learned of a Methodist ministry in Oklahoma City called Exodus House, an apartment complex which provides shelter to ex-prisoners as soon as they’re released. It gives them a chance to get back on their feet—to find employment and establish financial stability. And it provides them with caring, spiritual support, something they’re not likely to find if they return to their pre-prison environs.

            The complex that houses Exodus House must be at least forty years old, so needless to say it’s a little worse for wear. But through the efforts of many Methodist church groups, the apartments are cleaned, updated, and made livable.

            Our church committed to help with one of these updates and my interest in this project allowed me to get better acquainted with two remarkable ladies, Kathy Sewell and Laura Belden. I knew Kathy and Laura on a casual basis before, having had their daughters in class. But after working with them, I now know them to be “virtuous” women.

            With a crew of dedicated volunteers, Kathy and Laura worked tirelessly to transform that first apartment into a beautiful, tasteful home for two very grateful occupants. Those occupants are now well on their way to leading lives as transformed as their residence. When that project was finished, Kathy and Laura accepted the challenge of re-doing another apartment, which became occupied this past April 19 by two gentlemen.

            Being humble women “who feareth the Lord,” Kathy and Laura will be quick to give all credit to God, and, of course, this is true. But I know God’s love is often shown through acts as  unglamorous as grouting a bathroom floor or tearing out a nasty kitchen sink. God’s love is shown through the efforts of willing servants—or “gems”—such as Kathy and Laura.  

Kathy - You have to admire a woman who owns her own toolbelt!

Laura - You can tell she was excited about having her picture made.

Apartment #2 - "Before" pictures

Apartment #2 - "After" pictures