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Girl Meets God

    by Melissa Mathews

My Future Fame
Date Posted: August 21, 2005

There is no earthly influence to be compared with yours.
You can never regret any amount of labor you have expended,
any sacrifices you have made, any sufferings you have undergone, to train up your children.
From The Mother At Home by Rev. John S.C. Abbot, 1833

If you are a Women of Faith enthusiast or one of their speakers who happens to read my column, I apologize in advance for what I'm about to say. (Just kidding- but I wanted to get your attention.)

I went to my first WOF conference a couple of weeks ago. It was great. Patsy Clairmont was a total hoot. It was the first time I have heard her speak, and I wasn't disappointed.

But that is not what I found most impressive about the weekend.

Avalon also sang. (They're a group of two women and two men.) Their perfect harmony was full and put a tight grip on my chest.

But hey, I've heard people sing before.

Luci Swindoll spoke. I found her life remarkable. She has never married, spent 30 years working for Mobil Oil, sings opera, is an author, and now travels the world speaking for Women of Faith.

But it wasn't her life or message that influenced me most.

Luci's last name might sound familiar to you. Her brother is Chuck Swindoll, who in Luci's words is the "most gifted Bible teacher in America." There is also a third sibling in the Swindoll family, a brother who has served 40 years as a missionary in South America. Three children in such public, successful ministry- I was stunned.

The unspoken story at Women of Faith that moved me most was Mom Swindoll. I don't know her name. I don't imagine that she is famous, but the impact of her life on the world is profound.

I want to have that kind of influence. Somedays I want to be wildly successful or the greatest English teacher to live. But what I really want is to raise up children who make a contribution to the Kingdom of God that is unmistakable.

I know you've heard this verse before: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6) But are we doing it? I don't want to get so distracted working on my own resume that I miss my chance at life's most important work.

I want to be a Woman of Faith like Mom Swindoll with a real chance at future fame.

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Biography Information:
I'm a preacher's kid, pastor's wife, and southern belle who married a Southern California boy. Can you say 'culture clash?' Scott and I have four boys - Max, Mark, Jackson, and Grant who keep us busy with homework and sports.

Scott and I have been married 22 years and currently live in Northern California where we are beginning year five as church planters. I also teach 12th grade English and love it.

I would love to hear from you. Email me anytime at melissa.g.mathews@gmail.com
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