Nann Dobbs
On this past Thursday (August 25th) heaven gained yet again another great saint- someone who relied on the goodness of God. Her name was Nann Dobbs. She was 68 years old and died rather suddenly and unexpectedly from a massive heart attack.
Nann was used to change and touch many people's lives radically. God used her in my own life to shape me. We used to meet regularly soon after I became a Christian. She would counsel me and encourage me. Most importantly she would share wisdom with me. She fulfilled the verse in Titus 2:4-5, "These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God."
Nann was not only a mentor to me, she was also a dear friend. I remember so well calling Nann to tell her about when I first kissed AJ and then again when we were engaged. She came to my bridal shower and our wedding. I called when I found out we were pregnant and many other times in between. She was always so excited and wanted to hear ALL the details. She was so good at making everyone feel as though they were so important to her.
The ability to make everyone feel accepted is something that marked both AJ and Nann. They loved extravagantly. They were so good at seeing the best in people instead of judging them. Both of them were so selfless and generous with giving others their attention and time. I want to be like them in these ways.
Nann spent a lot of her time counseling anyone and everyone God lead to her. She was so faithful and obedient- a strong and wise woman of God- a true spiritual mother. In addition she was a prayer warrior. Nann spent a lot of time on her knees. It was so obvious and not because she had dirty knees- but it was evident in her life and the grace she lived with. Her face was radiant with the glow that reflects God's glory which was beheld by time with Him before His throne in His presence. They truly possessed an inward beauty that flowed to her outward appearance as well.
I have always looked up to Nann and admired her. I have always respected her and known I had so much to learn from her. Often, I thanked God for her and for how He had so graciously brought her into my life. I knew it was enriched by who she was. I enjoyed just sitting back and watching her- seeing how she lived her life and loved others. She laid herself down so that others might know Christ and the freedom He died to give us.
I have always said that when I grow up I want to be a women of prayer and integrity like Nann. I loved her dearly. She was such an inspiration to me and many others. She encouraged me with my music and leading worship. She loved the songs that I wrote which blessed me because I haven't shared them with many people yet. She has spent a lot of time praying for me- time that I know has been used to help me and strengthen me through many hard seasons.
I want to pray effectively and fervently as she has- they kind of prayers that touch eternity and move mountains and help others accomplish the impossible. I want to be used touch others and change them as she did. I don't want to be used because of how it will make other's think of me- not for recognition or praise. Instead I want to be used because we have such an amazing God and I want everyone to know Him and the fullness of life with Him. I want to serve Him with all that I am and with all that I have been given. He is worthy of nothing less.
I admire how selfless Nann was. I know that is something that takes a lifetime of perfecting. Time to learn and grow. I wish I was less self-centered but I am thankful to at least be in the process of being perfected- although I know it will take a lifetime.
I have always respected older people because there are so many graces that are only learned through time and life experiences. There is so much wisdom that comes through time. I love to surround myself with people who are older and wiser since I know I have so much to learn from them. Proverbs 13:20, "Whoever walks with the wise will become wise..."
This evening there was a viewing of Nann. She looked beautiful and peaceful- although it wasn't really her- just the container that held her. She has simply stepped on into eternity. I loved a question Carl asked during his sermon this morning. He asked, "What are you going to be doing in 400 years?" Nann knew what that would be and was working toward that goal while she was on earth. Now she is ready to use all the skills she learned on earth and she is perfected to use them.
Life is so short in the perspective of eternity. While we are here we are in training for eternity. Dallas Willard calls it 'training for reigning.' That reality makes me really want to live my life to the fullest now. I only have a tiny spec to prepare- and even this short time on earth could end at any moment, any day. There are no guarantees. I want to be ready at all times. I want to try my best to live peaceably with everyone. While rest is good- I do not want to be lazy. I do not want to procrastinate putting off something for tomorrow that can be done today. Tomorrow has no guarantees.
There is a grace in making the most out of today. It is manageable. If I am focused on living today and loving the people I am with today and being faithful with all I have been given today then through time I will be fulfilling my destiny and living my life to the fullness in the fullness of Christ. This was something Nann really did well. It would have no doubt been overwhelming to keep the full schedule she kept filled with various counseling appointments. But taken one day at a time it was manageable. Since she lived like that she was able to be so effective. God was able to use her to reach so many more people.
I love the joke that says, 'How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.' While it is funny- there is so much truth to it. If you looked at the elephant with the goal to eat the whole thing that would be very overwhelming and probably give you a stomach ache. But knowing you just have to take one bite at a time it is much more manageable. Nann taught me this principle through how she lived her life.
I was talking with Barb about the huge loss I feel in losing Nann. I loved her dearly and I will miss her greatly as will so many. I said to Barb, "I can't imagine the earth without Nann Dobbs on it." Her response was filled with so much wisdom, "Yeah, but imagine heaven WITH Nann Dobbs in it!" With that perspective I can handle her passing much easier. I will see her soon. Oh and it is so neat to imagine her and AJ swapping stories and feasting at the banqueting table together. Heaven gained another mighty saint.
posted by Kellie # 9:45 PM
