Re Shirley Smithen

 

There are persons that we admire

With personality traits we long to acquire

And so it becomes our earnest desire

That like these persons we hope to aspire.

I have long admired Shirley Smithen

Going way back to Caribbean Pilgrim College

Right in that location on Barbaree’s Hill

Where she received her Bible College tutelage.

From a student there and afterwards a tutor

Striking me as a woman with a purpose,

Pressing relentlessly to her Divine calling

Never appearing to lose track or focus.

And I, a lad in the Carrington church,

Particularly when the college was in vogue,

And its students carried that presence

That smacked so much of the Christian code.

I could call the names of several students

If I were required to do just that

But suffice it that I should mention just one;

Shirley Smitten was of that pack.

Do not treat this term as derogatory

As some would desire to do

But as a classification of high standards

Achieved by an accomplished few.

Yes, I view Shirley as such a person,

A person of passion; a go-getter if you may,

Overcoming many a trial along life’s trail

With the help of God in her unassuming way.

Encouraged by her Christian demeanour

I have oft observed her steadfast resilience

And unashamedly taking a leaf from her book

Leaned more on God for my assured reliance.

The times we have actually chatted

Have been far between and but just a few

But those moments have been most engaging

And always in sync with the biblical view.

To my mind she is an encourager

Even when facing life’s tempests and storms

And in the midst of those howling winds

Reliance on the Saviour appears to be her norm.

I recall ringing her up on the phone

Having not seen or heard her for a long time

And she was so appreciative of that phone call

It practically blew my mind.

Her knowledge of the Word is exemplary,

Her explanation of the Scripture is simple-based:

Context not pretext is her primary focus

And her biblical position can be easily traced.

These are but a few of my lasting impressions

Of my dear Christian sister and friend,

One of whom I have absolutely no doubt

Will continue in the way of Christ right to the end.

I save this penultimate verse to wish you God’s best

And to encourage you to keep on holding on,

For God is faithful in whom you trust

And will bring you to that glorious eternal dawn.

 

You are a person that I admire

With personality traits I strive to acquire,

And so it becomes my earnest desire

That like you, in steadfastness, I too hope to aspire.

Stewart Russell © January 10, 2017