Remembering. And Grateful.

Much has been written this week about the life and ministry of Kay Arthur. I feel compelled to add my voice to the mix. But first a little background.

I was born to godly Christian parents. My godly grandmother lived next door. We lived in the shadow of our Baptist church, the church my grandfather had pastored until his death in 1949. I was in the cradle roll. I went to Sunday School, Training Union, Sunbeams, GAs, YWA’s, study courses, GA camp. I did the sword drills. If you did not grow up in a Southern Baptist Church, some of these things may seem foreign to you. But the bottom line is I had been taught to the Bible, I had read the Bible, I had memorized scripture.

As a young adult, I married a godly man and we made our home in West Columbia, South Carolina, his hometown. We were very involved in our local church. We taught teenagers in Sunday School. We taught preschoolers. I was very involved in music ministry, both in choir, leading children’s choir, and playing piano for worship. I attended Bible studies. I even led Bible studies.

But they’re always seem to be something missing. Like a missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

In my mid 30s, we moved across the country to Colorado. That was a culture shock certainly, and not just because of the weather. But one day I met one of my new neighbors, and she invited me to go to Bible study with her. I happily accepted. And I am eternally grateful.

That was my introduction to Kay Arthur and Precept Ministries. We were studying in Covenant. The course had already started so I was a couple of weeks behind, but I didn’t even care. I was so excited! I had found my place. I had found the missing piece. I had found my people!

In the study, not only did I learn so much about God and about his covenant promises, I learned how to dig out those truths from scripture myself. I learned to study inductively. I learned not to rely on commentaries and Bible teachers, but to let the Holy Spirit be my teacher. I learned to let the word speak for itself.

Over these years, I only had the privilege of meeting Kay Arthur face-to-face on a handful of occasions. Even so, Kay Arthur was my mentor. My mentor from a distance, if you will. I learned so much about the Bible from listening to her. I learned even more about how to study the Bible from listening to her. I learned how to teach the Bible.

As a result, I am a better Bible student. I’m a better Bible teacher. And I’m better equipped to help others learn the truths of God‘s Word for themselves.

Kay Arthur was a giant among women. But Kay would not want us to be calling attention to her. She would want us to be fixing your eyes on Jesus. She would want us to be pointing others to His Word. She would want us to be knowing God‘s Word.

As those of us who wish to honor Kay and her memory, may we be doing exactly that. May we be pointing others to Jesus. May we be fixing our eyes on Him. May we know our God.

“The people who know their God will be strong and take action.” - Daniel 11:32.