Moses’ grandmother, named ‘Elisheba’ in Slender Reeds, is not mentioned in the Bible. She is one of the many unknown women whose gift may have been faithfulness. She showed up and did what was necessary – cooking, cleaning, hauling water, childcare – no glory, no earthly recognition, not even a record of her life.
And yet I wonder how much she influenced her daughter, Jochebed, who in turn influenced three of the ‘greats’ in the Old Testament – Moses, Aaron, Miriam.
Quite a few years ago, our church did a Christmas musical production. It was comparable to community theatre complete with a large cast, carpenters constructing elaborate sets, a wardrobe mistress in charge of period costumes, stage manager (me), stagehands, hair and make-up artists and sound and lighting technicians.
People still reminisce about this event that drew our church family closer and included the community. It was a time of hard work, laughter and the forging of new friendships, but what I treasure most from that experience was the response of one woman.
You see, several hair stylists were approached and asked to research, design, and coif the hairstyles of the major characters. They enthusiastically agreed.
One showed up.
One woman’s faithfulness made a positive difference to the experience of the cast members and to the professional appearance of the play. She spoke encouragement into the lives of those she coifed. She prayed with cast members who were hurting. She listened to each confidence.
She was faithful.
Where are you being called to faithfulness?
