Betty Whitaker Jackson

I am part of an unofficial but very significant church group called the Magnolias. We are a group of women who meet weekly to socialize, keep each other accountable in the faith, and to look for opportunities to serve.

This week, a friend of many in the group went Home to be with Jesus. The Magnolias went into action to help the family with meals and to provide light refreshments after her Monday evening memorial service. Working together, we created meat and cheese and fruit trays to honor her friends and family as they gathered to pay their respects.

I have written several times about the Magnificent Magnolias. The group actually began some almost-thirty years ago with just a few individuals who gathered to pray once a week in a local restaurant. Although I lived in the area and knew about the group, because I was teaching in Cocoa and had to leave home at 6:15 each day, I could not join the others. Then I moved to Iowa for ten years. Recently I  retired and moved back to the area after retirement, and was asked by several members to return. We meet at 6:15 at a local restaurant one morning a week.

But, we are on each other’s radar constantly. We know each other’s families, pray for joint concerns, serve our Lord in diverse ways, keep abreast of nutritional and medical best practices, and come together for mutual encouragement and just because we love each other.

But when we go into action on a project, we are like a well-oiled machine. The leaders lead; the followers follow, and the task gets completed in short order. Whether it’s cleaning houses to sell or occupy, prepare meals for those suffering illness or sorrow, putting on dinners, helping at church activities or events, or decorating, the Magnificent Magnolias answer the call with expertise, smiling faces, and willing hands.

Doing life together with these sweet ladies is a blessing I thought I’d share today.