Phoebe is one of my favorite characters from A Voice in the Wind. In the beginning, she is a pagan woman who has faith in her household gods. But her heart and mind are open and she observes Hadassah who lives out a life of faith in Jesus. Phoebe becomes a believer. As she was in the beginning, she is still a woman who loves her family and grows increasingly concerned over their choices in life. As her health deteriorates, her reliance on Jesus becomes stronger. She is dedicated to prayer and a quiet, though powerful influence in the lives of her wayward children, Marcus and Julia, primary characters in the second novel of the Mark of the Lion trilogy; An Echo in the Darkness.
I am blessed to know many women like Phoebe. Some have good health, others struggle with life-long health issues that limit their activities. Some are elderly and unable to attend church because of physical disabilities, but they remain warriors, spending hours in prayer for others.
When I grow old, I want to be like these women, strong in faith, patient, trusting in God’s promises, rejoicing in the midst of storms. How will I become that woman? By practicing the faith I see lived out, by dwelling upon God’s Word, by giving thanks for the people of faith the Lord has put in my life yesterday, today, and hopefully becoming a good example for someone else tomorrow.