Have you ever paused to consider the profound impact certain individuals have had on your life? Those special people who, through their actions and love, have shaped you into the person you are today? As we approach Mother's Day, it's an opportune time to reflect on the "Tabithas" in our lives – those who have loved us into being, as Mr. Rogers would say.
The Story of Tabitha: A Disciple of Good Works
In the Book of Acts, we encounter a remarkable woman named Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. Acts 9:36 introduces her as "a disciple who was always doing good and helping the poor." This simple description speaks volumes about her character and the impact she had on her community.
Tabitha's story takes a dramatic turn when she falls ill and dies. The community, grief-stricken by her loss, sends for the apostle Peter. Upon his arrival, we witness a touching scene that reveals the depth of Tabitha's influence:
"All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them" (Acts 9:39).
This moment is particularly poignant. These women, in their time of mourning, chose to showcase the tangible evidence of Tabitha's love and service. It prompts us to ask ourselves: What would we offer as evidence of the positive influence someone has had in our lives? What token of appreciation would we present to those around us as a testament to how that person has loved us into being?
Personal Testimonies of Modern-Day Tabithas
In my own life, I've been blessed with several "Tabithas" who have profoundly impacted me. One such person was my dear friend and mentor, Michael Morgan, who passed away on Christmas Eve 2022. Michael was the seminary organist at Columbia Theological Seminary, and he played a crucial role in nurturing my love for hymn writing.
As a testament to his influence, I cherish a book of Psalms printed in London in 1626. This psalter, which will celebrate its 400th birthday next year, was a gift from Michael. Every time I open our purple hymnal, which includes a dozen of his hymns, I'm reminded of the impact he made on my life and all that he showed me about the love of Christ.
Another touching example comes from our very own congregation. Carolyn Sherrick shared with me a beautiful quilt made by her children and families to celebrate her late husband Dick's 90th birthday. Each square of the quilt was crafted from a different t-shirt representing something about Dick – his alma mater, family vacation spots, and other significant locations throughout their 70+ years of marriage. This quilt serves as a tangible reminder of the love Dick shared with his family over the decades.
Identifying Your Tabitha
I invite you to take a moment and reflect: Who is your Tabitha? What evidence do you have – material or otherwise – that reminds you of how God's love was made manifest through them?
Perhaps it's a parent who sacrificed everything to give you opportunities they never had. Maybe it's a teacher who believed in you when no one else did. Or it could be a friend who stood by you during your darkest hours. Whoever your Tabitha is, take time to acknowledge their impact on your life and give thanks for the way they've shown you God's love.
Becoming a Tabitha for Others
As we give thanks for the Tabithas among us, let's remember this indelible truth of the life of faith: the love of God that flowed through them to us is the same love we can share with others today and in the days to come. Just as Peter went from being an observer of Jesus' miracles to performing them himself, we too are called to move from being recipients of love to becoming agents of God's love in the world.
We are Tabitha when we prepare meals for those who are ill. We are Tabitha when our church community comes together to offer shelter to the homeless who seek refuge in our space. We are Tabitha when we create prayer shawls for those in mourning. We are Tabitha when we extend our welcome to neurodivergent children, LGBTQIA+ neighbors, and everyone across the political spectrum, from liberal to conservative!
Life Application: Putting Tabitha's Example into Practice
As we celebrate Mother's Day and reflect on all the faithful women who have shaped our lives, let us give thanks for the Tabithas among us, through whom we have heard the voice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. And may we, in turn, become Tabithas for others, representing the risen Christ to restore hope in places where it feels absent.
In the name of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, may all of us, God's children, say: Amen.
The Story of Tabitha: A Disciple of Good Works
In the Book of Acts, we encounter a remarkable woman named Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. Acts 9:36 introduces her as "a disciple who was always doing good and helping the poor." This simple description speaks volumes about her character and the impact she had on her community.
Tabitha's story takes a dramatic turn when she falls ill and dies. The community, grief-stricken by her loss, sends for the apostle Peter. Upon his arrival, we witness a touching scene that reveals the depth of Tabitha's influence:
"All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them" (Acts 9:39).
This moment is particularly poignant. These women, in their time of mourning, chose to showcase the tangible evidence of Tabitha's love and service. It prompts us to ask ourselves: What would we offer as evidence of the positive influence someone has had in our lives? What token of appreciation would we present to those around us as a testament to how that person has loved us into being?
Personal Testimonies of Modern-Day Tabithas
In my own life, I've been blessed with several "Tabithas" who have profoundly impacted me. One such person was my dear friend and mentor, Michael Morgan, who passed away on Christmas Eve 2022. Michael was the seminary organist at Columbia Theological Seminary, and he played a crucial role in nurturing my love for hymn writing.
As a testament to his influence, I cherish a book of Psalms printed in London in 1626. This psalter, which will celebrate its 400th birthday next year, was a gift from Michael. Every time I open our purple hymnal, which includes a dozen of his hymns, I'm reminded of the impact he made on my life and all that he showed me about the love of Christ.
Another touching example comes from our very own congregation. Carolyn Sherrick shared with me a beautiful quilt made by her children and families to celebrate her late husband Dick's 90th birthday. Each square of the quilt was crafted from a different t-shirt representing something about Dick – his alma mater, family vacation spots, and other significant locations throughout their 70+ years of marriage. This quilt serves as a tangible reminder of the love Dick shared with his family over the decades.
Identifying Your Tabitha
I invite you to take a moment and reflect: Who is your Tabitha? What evidence do you have – material or otherwise – that reminds you of how God's love was made manifest through them?
Perhaps it's a parent who sacrificed everything to give you opportunities they never had. Maybe it's a teacher who believed in you when no one else did. Or it could be a friend who stood by you during your darkest hours. Whoever your Tabitha is, take time to acknowledge their impact on your life and give thanks for the way they've shown you God's love.
Becoming a Tabitha for Others
As we give thanks for the Tabithas among us, let's remember this indelible truth of the life of faith: the love of God that flowed through them to us is the same love we can share with others today and in the days to come. Just as Peter went from being an observer of Jesus' miracles to performing them himself, we too are called to move from being recipients of love to becoming agents of God's love in the world.
We are Tabitha when we prepare meals for those who are ill. We are Tabitha when our church community comes together to offer shelter to the homeless who seek refuge in our space. We are Tabitha when we create prayer shawls for those in mourning. We are Tabitha when we extend our welcome to neurodivergent children, LGBTQIA+ neighbors, and everyone across the political spectrum, from liberal to conservative!
Life Application: Putting Tabitha's Example into Practice
- Identify Your Tabithas: Take some time this week to reflect on the people who have been Tabithas in your life. Write down their names and the specific ways they've impacted you.
- Express Gratitude: Reach out to your Tabithas (if possible) and express your appreciation for their influence in your life. Share with them the "evidence" of their love that you cherish.
- Be a Tabitha: Look for opportunities to serve others in your community. Whether it's through your church, a local charity, or simply helping a neighbor, find ways to be the hands and feet of Christ to those around you.
- Create Lasting Reminders: Consider creating something tangible (like the quilt for Dick Sherrick) that represents the love and impact of someone special in your life. This could be a scrapbook, a piece of art, or even a written tribute.
- Pray for Guidance: Ask God to help you recognize the Tabithas in your life and to show you how you can be a Tabitha to others. Pray for opportunities to share God's love in practical, meaningful ways.
As we celebrate Mother's Day and reflect on all the faithful women who have shaped our lives, let us give thanks for the Tabithas among us, through whom we have heard the voice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. And may we, in turn, become Tabithas for others, representing the risen Christ to restore hope in places where it feels absent.
In the name of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, may all of us, God's children, say: Amen.
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