“Seeing a Servant’s Heart in a Time of Grief” by Guest Writer: Missy Eversole

When I think of a servant’s heart, one name comes to mind.

Jackie.

I first met Jackie at the school that our children attended. We had two children in the same grade levels and together we have been through it all. From room moms to volunteer moms to bleacher sitting moms, Jackie and I have been side-by-side. Throughout the years, we’ve laughed and cried together as we faced the challenges of raising our children into teenagers.

When my younger brother unexpectedly passed away, she was the first person who came to mind when I needed someone to take over my duties of meal coordinator for the high school drama cast and crew. She stepped in without a second thought. She stayed on the phone with me for over an hour as I drove into the night to my father’s house to assist with my brother’s funeral arrangements. She has been with me throughout it all, so why would I be surprised that she was standing in line at my father’s visitation, exactly five weeks to the day from my brother’s funeral?

Because that’s who Jackie is. She has a heart for serving others and she is a friend who will go out of her way to help me no matter what the circumstances are.

As I reflect on that time of severe grief, losing two close family members within weeks of each other, I know that I couldn’t have made it through that time without my family and friends. Through conviction, the Lord also opened my heart and mind, revealing to me that I need to be more like my friend; I need to be more like Jesus and Jackie and lead a life of a servant’s heart. 

The most exceptional example of a person with a servant’s heart is Our Lord and Savior Himself, Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, we read where Jesus was a servant and helper to others. For example, He washed the feet of His apostles, he fed over 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish, and He preached about servanthood. As Christians, the Lord calls us to serve others. 

“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 CSB

While Peter was writing this letter to the “exiles dispersed abroad” (1 Peter 1:1), we can apply his words to our lives today.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:  1 Peter 4:10 ESV

In a world that is often self-absorbed and where entitlement runs rampant, we need to start focusing on serving one another with our words and actions. Not only will we make this world a better place to live, but we will glorify the Lord. 

MISSY EVERSOLE

The simple act of servanthood that Jackie did for me had a profound impact on my life. Forever grateful for her friendship, I will never forget this simple, kind gesture. It not only comforted me in my grief, but it made me want to be a better person and it awakened something in me. It’s time for me to step out of my comfort zone and help others in need. 

Where could the Lord be speaking to you about extending yourself in servanthood?

Missy Eversole is an author and blogger from central Illinois. She is married to her soulmate and biggest encourager, Craig, and mom to two teenage boys. Connect with Missy at http://www.missyeversole.com and find out about her new book to be released in 2021.

We thank you, Missy, for contributing to this publication of Titus-two.com speaking about “A Servant’s Heart.”

You are loved to Heaven and Back ~~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary