Dr. Stephen Phinney
Today, my wife and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary.
Finding a woman of sincere unmovable faith today is just as difficult as finding a young man of righteousness. At least that is what I'm told by the youth of today. However, forty-four years ago, I found one. Actually, God dropped her into my life without much searching.
Jane is worth far more than jewels or a world of pleasures. I can assure you that the heart of her husband completely trusts in her. I have no lack because of her. She does me good even on my grouchy days. And...she has been doing this for forty-four years. I am continuously amazed how she does good in an ever so pressing evil world. She girds herself with the strength of the Lord - day in & day out. She makes me strong by the testimony of her strength in Christ.
Over the years, I have seen men & women melt under the pressure of marital difficulties. I have observed the lion share of women cave in under the banner of self-beauty. Jane on the other hand, through the inner light & life of Christ, continues to shine the sincerity of God's design of woman. Her inner lamp never goes out.
As I have watched her extend her heart to women with broken lives, I see Jesus - over and over again. Her compassion and ability to see the "best" in others has been a teaching tool for me. Sometimes to my dismay.
I have met many women who love their children & grandchildren, but as I watch her weep and wail over the spiritual well being of her family, I am humbled beyond words. This IS the evidence of her faith.
Most every morning she gets up before her husband, sometimes before the sun. When I walk out, as the norm goes, she is in the Word. Many times, I stand from afar and watch her weeping over the souls she is praying for. Wrestling through her doubts and fears, and coming to peace with God with each. She truly is my hearts example of prayer and petitioning the Lord. That is why I call her my hero.
When the Scriptures state, "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land," I know exactly what that means. I contribute most of the advancement of our ministry to Jane. Without Jane being who she is, God only knows where I would be today. Yes. I give God the credit and glory, but let's get real, God uses Jesus in skin to minister to our souls. Christ in Jane has been my mainstay for forty-four years.
Fact. When Jane opens her mouth, wisdom pours out. Furthermore, Grace and kindness roles off her tongue every time she teaches. As a result, her children and grandchildren have risen to bless her. I am honored as her husband to say the same words Solomon stated in Proverbs, "Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman (Jane) who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."
Jane, I praise God for the day He dropped you into my life. I praise Him for the woman He created you to be. I honor Him for the work of the Gospel He alone has accomplished in you. I look forward to spending eternity with you.
