Lessons Learned from a Leeder

Helen Leeder......She turned 91 years young today. Over the past 4 months that I've come to know her better, each interaction leaves me with a renewed outlook on how any life no matter how old or young can be be lived for the Lord. Today, on her birthday, I want to write about lessons I've learned from a leader:

1. Discipline
Helen has communicated how she has numerous allergies to the point where she has all together given up certain foods that make her feel sick but she knows tastes so good. Each time our church gathers together at someone's house or on Sundays to talk over food, I am so inspired when I see how she disciplines herself to say no to certain foods that she knows are delicious but for the sake of her health, she chooses to not indulge in (sugar being one of them). Maybe this spoke to me because I have a very bad sweet tooth. I tell myself at times that quitting sugar is impossible but when I see how she does it, I realize that it takes a determined mind to control the desires of the flesh and practice discipline. Eating sugar won't kill her, but giving it up does make her stronger. This is a small example of what bodily discipline looks like and she is showing me that it is important to practice discipline even in these little things.

2. Make yourself available for the important things....what else am I making time for?
Dan would tell me stories of how when not many would be willing to go knock on a neighbors' door to share the love of Christ, Helen Leeder would show up. I myself have come to see that same spirit of willingness to make herself available for the important things. Every Wednesday evening we have prayer meeting at the chapel. She is ALWAYS there. She's 91 years old. If she can come with her weak health and hurting knees and toes, what kind of excuse am I making to not go? She has taught me that even in her old age, and changing health, she makes herself available for these important things.

3. Speak UP! 
Helen always speaks up. There have been many times I've witnessed Helen speak up about something she finds encouraging or she sees that may needs improving. I'm still learning the art of speaking up when needed but when I witness the way she does it, I take notes.

Dan and I visited her last night and she was sharing lessons she learned while living in the south during segregation. Her words still echo in my mind regarding not letting anyone's issue with her race become her own. And how she chose not to practice the same hostility to others that was shown to her. She embodies the verse found in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

I am sure there are many more lessons I will learn as I continue to spend more time with Mrs. Leeder. These were 3 lessons that I've learned from her example as a lover of the Lord Jesus. Happy Birthday Mrs. Leeder! Thank you for being a leader!