Woman #4- Ruth Shannon

Who you've been greatly encouraged by?

Some of you may know that my husband is a Pastor. He's been the Pastor of New Testament Baptist Church for about 6 years now. If you are in the ministry, you know the most valuable thing is loyal and dedicated church members. A Pastor can have the biggest church, but if he doesn't have loyal members that are faithful and dedicated, he will struggle to do anything with that church. Ruth and her family are the type you want in your church. She is always willing to help in any area. She is loyal and loving, she is genuine. Ruth Shannon is the type of person that doesn't care who or where you come from, she loves you without judgement. I never have to worry about whether Ruth thinks I'm a good Pastors wife. I never question our friendship. I never wonder if she talks badly about me or my family behind our backs. That just isn't who she is. If there was anyone that I needed to pour my soul out to, it would be her. Because she isn't judgemental, because she isn't a gossip, because she is genuine, I can trust her with my feelings and burdens.

You know, being a young Pastor's wife is difficult at times. You know that the ladies may like you, but do they respect you as the Pastor's wife? I often wonder if I am failing the ladies in my church. Should I be doing more? What all does a PW do? There have been a lot of times when I want to put up a wall and just be cordial to others, but not really love them. However, God won't allow me to do that. But it's ladies like my friend, Ruth, that make you want to love. She makes you want to go out of your way to talk to her or help her out with whatever she needs. I know that if anyone said anything negative about me or my husband, she would not stand for it. She's such a soft spoken person, very private, but she has a voice and knows when to speak out. To me, she is a lady of encouragement. Her loyalty, her friendship, her love... that is encouraging to a Pastor and his wife. I'm thankful that I have a friend like her.