Thursday, September 20, 2007

Encourage one another: Scott and Heather Gilmore


Well, in the spirit of I Thessalonians 5:11, I am going to encourage our good friends, Scott and Heather Gilmore, today! They have been our leaders, friends, mentors and precious brother and sister in Christ. We are so appreciative for who they are and all they do for the body of Christ.

The first gift that God has bestowed upon both Scott and Heather is the ability to be warm and effusive in conversation with just about anyone. You are put at ease immediately, and you can't help but smile, as they energetically talk about family, the Lord or, of course, the Tennessee football team. In our Thrive (marriage) ministry at church, they co-lead with us. God has graciously given the quiet, rather reserved Hawleys, in the Gilmores, a much needed tool for warmly and genuinely welcoming people into the group.

The Gilmores have the gift of hospitality. Heather and Scott always open their beautiful home for meetings, never denying anything to guests. On more than one occasion, we have taken over their precious daughter's bedroom in order to put Carter to sleep in his Pack and Play. Every detail of a get together at their home is well-done. There are always flowers, snacks to munch on as dinner cooks, and scented candles lit. They embrace Christ's command to serve others in practical ways. Mark 9:41 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."

What is most impressive about the Gilmores is their ability to share the gospel anytime and anywhere. They have huge hearts for the unsaved, and they take those divine appointments seriously. Scott often brings the gospel into his teachings, and it is amazing how he has stories of saving co-workers and friends from staying children of God's wrath. Both of them obey the command of I Peter 3:15. "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . ." It is a bold example to all of us suffering from the sin of timidity. As Pastor Mike said this weekend, they are great examples of not only staying away from unrighteous behavior, but ALSO of taking the proactive step of always speaking the truth to others, no matter what the response may bring.

Finally, the genuine faith of the Gilmores is evident in their darling and precious children. Seth and Selah melt your heart with their thoughtfulness, kindness and obedience. They have seen empathy and submission modeled through their parents, and, because of this, it is something they practice as well. I truly hope Carter can be such a sweet child and servant to others someday. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 reminds us, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
If you see the Gilmores this week, tell them "thank you." They pour their lives joyfully into others, and I want them to know others recognize their sacrifice.

1 comment:

Ryan Hawley said...

Way to go, Gilmores!!!!