I am writing this blog for a couple of reasons. First to notify those who follow me but are not part of my church can be informed that my mother, Pat, passed away peacefully this morning. Secondly to put into words some of the thoughts I am going through as I tell people about this. Third is because I was asked about her favorite verse and found no evidence of a specific verse she favored over any other. I did however remember a verse that my best describe her.

 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38-42

I have known many a pastor who has mentioned that this verse can be a real trap to preach from. If you point out and confirm what Jesus is saying, you will get a “seasoned” member of your congregation point out that without a Martha type or two at the church nothing would get done. And they are correct. If you argue the Martha side of the story you will be reminded that actions will not get you into Heaven but a relationship with Jesus is needed. And they are correct.

I present the answer to that dilemma-Pat Hendrix (and probably many others). If you knew anything about my mother, then you know she relished the worker bee life in church. She had no problem leading but preferred it be leading as an example of doing. She could easily plan out a large meal for volunteers, a fund raiser, or feeding the whole church. She could put together a Christmas program for shut ins including transportation, food, gifts and a visit from Santa. She could see a problem with a yard sale and quietly slip in to fix it herself without drawing any attention.

Mom also enjoyed a good Bible Study. She took them seriously and would read and reread the subject material claiming not to understand, but when discussing it was clear she often grasped the heart of the matter and not the flourish of the study. She enjoyed her time reading the Bible and her favorite part of the Prayer Shawl program was praying for the person who would get each shawl, baby blanket or chemo hat. She was the one who first suggested that the mission teams have a full send off service with prayers over each missionary going forth.

Mom was always shy about expressing herself publicly. In fact when she first joined the mission team going to Tanzania in 2009 her biggest holdback concern was that I had said everyone had to talk to groups about the mission trip. She really did not want to do that, but she wanted to go on that mission trip, so I made a deal with her. She could talk to her groups (that she was a member of) and I would put together a PowerPoint or movie for her to help her out. She wisely knew she could trick me in making comments and expounding on certain aspects to fill her time.

Mom was a fixture at Wednesday night suppers for years, helping or leading. She eventually turned them into a fundraiser for the mission teams. She went on 4 mission trips to Tanzania and a family trip that included family time with me while I was a full time missionary in Tanzania. She was a member of the Action Class Sunday School. She had four boys who she raised on a farm. She may not have enjoyed being in the limelight or front and center, but I think anyone who knew her, saw her and her love through her actions.

Service dates are not set yet. In lieu of flowers you can make a donation to the Mauldin Methodist Mission Endowment Fund at 100 East Butler Road, Mauldin SC 29662.