Patsy's Piece

A very special lady celebrated her 80th birthday recently. Her name is Pat Hicks and she has lived in her present home for nearly 50years. You won’t have heard of her but heaven has known her for a long time. She has been widowed twice, and with her children and grandchildren, we were pleased to join in the party. Why? She used to be my next door neighbour when I was a teenager living at home and she and her first husband, Harold, befriended me and were instrumental in bringing me to faith in Jesus.

For their love, hospitality and missional hearts I will be eternally grateful. Their example still underscores all I do and what I hold dear today. They were my “spiritual parents” until my family moved to a different area. I honour Pat today and thank the Lord for their example, generosity and faithfulness.

One of her grandson’s paid a tribute to her and said, “she’s not only my grandmother but my best friend”. It reminded me of the woman in Proverbs 31 – “her children rise up and call her blessed”.