Guest Blog: Who me - a pastor's wife? by Cheryl Edmondson

Who me – a pastor’s wife???

After numerous requests to do a Guest Blog for Grace, I realized I had resisted as long as I could.   It may be because there are so many great bloggers living at my house that I feel so intimidated at just the thought of trying.  

The thought that kept going through my mind was what do I have to say that anybody would WANT to read?  I feel God told me to just take this opportunity to share a little about myself….Ron’s wife … a mom to Jeremy (21) and Nate (18) … a daughter … a sister …. a friend …. a co-worker (again) … most importantly a follower of Jesus Christ and oh yeah – a pastor’s wife.  

I am Cheryl Edmondson and the proud wife of Ron, who is one of the amazing co-pastors of Grace Community Church and together we have two awesome sons.  I was born in Clarksville to J F and Earlene Burney and except for four years in Tuscaloosa, AL (Roll Tide!!) while my dad received his doctorate and my mother her undergraduate degree – I have lived in Clarksville all my life.  I have two older brothers (Mike & Steve) and one younger sister (Laurie).   I recently lost my dad due to several health issues.  I was a “daddy’s girl” and miss him very much!!

I am blessed with more friends than I can count.  I have been reminded lately during the time of my dad’s death and then again today as I attended the funeral of a longtime friend – how precious friendships are.  There is a childhood poem that I was reminded of today - “make new friends, but keep the old ones…one is silver, but the other gold.” During both these times, I saw friends that I had not seen for years.  Friends that I was very close to at one time …. But you know what?  Our hearts were still connected when we saw each other again …. My biggest regret was that I had let so much time pass without spending time with these friends.  That I had allowed myself to get too busy …. But we all do that – don’t we?  Yes, what a sweet reminder of how precious our friends truly are.

My degree is in accounting and I have been employed in several positions over the years from the electric company to co-owning a small manufacturing company with Ron to working on a church staff to public accounting.  After a short break from the working world, I have recently accepted a part-time position at Hope Pregnancy Center as Administrative Director.  My passion is to do ministry and for as long as God allows me to work part-time – I pray that He will allow me to do ministry at HPC, but also be more flexible to do ministry for GCC.

Oh yes, the one I keep forgetting - I am a pastor’s wife!!  It is the one I have to keep reminding myself of probably because it is the one I feel the least worthy to be.  I’m just a regular person …. I have good days and bad days …. I make lots of mistakes …. I don’t read my Bible as much as I want to …. BUT I love Sundays!!  My passion is to see others growing in their relationship with Christ!!  I love it when God allows me to use things from my past to minister to others!!! (2 Cor 1:3-7)  But I don’t have to be a pastor’s wife to do any of these.  I loved these same things before Ron was called to vocational ministry.  Maybe that’s why I have such a hard time remembering that I am one ….

And yes – I am a follower of Jesus.   I am so thankful for the amazing grace that God has poured out on my life.  I became a Christian well into adulthood and regret all the wasted years.  That’s why I am so thankful that God allows me to be a part of Grace Community Church and see the lives that He is changing in and through the various ministries… I pray that as long as I live God will use me to point others to the saving grace of my Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ!!!

That’s who I am …. a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend … follower of Christ … and … oh yeah … a pastor’s wife.  

 

 

 

7 comments (Add your own)

1. Rita Foster wrote:
Cheryl, I was introduced to your blog from my cousin Karen Grizzard. My mom is a "pastor's wife" and you are so much more than a wife, mother, daughter, sister etc. You are the one that picks him up when he is down, even though you may be down also, you are the one that always makes sure everything is just the way it needs to be etc. My dad will be retiring soon and I so admire my mom for being a "pastor's wife". Dad was always the one that got the pat on the back for the great sermon but mom was the one that was always by his side giving him that extra push. Don't get me wrong I know neither of them would be what they are today if it wasn't for the Lord Jesus Christ being in their lives but oh how I also know that my dad could have never been the Pastor he is today had it not been for my mom being there with him every step of the way.
There is no doubt that when God calls a man he also calls his wife.
Special blessing Cheryl to all the women like you and my precious mom.

February 13, 2010 @ 10:30 AM

2. Trina Snider wrote:
You go girl. Jim and I are proud of you and hope you continue to be encouraged.
Love,
Trina

February 13, 2010 @ 10:38 AM

3. Pat Addington wrote:
Cheryl:
May I please tell you what I see in you? I see the face of Jesus, with His love and compassion for others. I see your heart, totally open and vulnerable to everyone you greet on Sunday mornings. I see a humble and gentle woman who isn't trying to be anything she isn't. I see a person who is totally in love with Jesus, longing for others to have that personal relationship too. I see a woman totally surrounded by strong men in her life, yet still able to carve out a personality of her own. You have your own ministry and mission field separate from that of being a pastor's wife and you aren't afraid of opening yourself up to others, which I have always seen you do with grace and tenderness.

In the few years that we have known each other, there is something in you that I am drawn to very strongly. Do you know what that is? It's the fact that though you may feel you are weak, you are strong. You mourn with others. You hunger and thirst for God. You are merciful and pure in heart. You are a peacemaker. You care enough about others to go out of your way to be there to support and encourage. Because you are a pastor's wife, these could be things you might shy away from, out of fear of interfering with your husband's ministry. Yet, you remain bold enough in your love for God to reach out and let people get close to you--to touch your heart as you touch theirs. And, oh yeah, your husband--who just happens to be a pastor--has been truly blessed to also have you as his team-mate, as you both go forward with the same goal of reaching others for Christ, in leading them (us) on the path of the only true Way to the joy of eternal life. You are a shepherd and I smell the smell of the sheep on you...and I mean that in a very good way!
Together in Christ and awed by His grace!
It is my honor to call you friend.

February 13, 2010 @ 12:17 PM

4. Renee Garcia wrote:
You can start your blog any time! I will add you to my blog roll! :) I loved learning more about you and am honored to call you my friend!

February 13, 2010 @ 1:26 PM

5. Theresa wrote:
Cheryl...It's through Jesus that you are who you need to be for those around you. Continue to find your strength and direction from Him.Oh, and by the way...You Rock! :D

February 13, 2010 @ 9:16 PM

6. Jeannie Monroe wrote:
Thanks for sharing, Cheryl! It's nice to get to know you & your heart beyond those few minutes we get to visit on Sundays. It is so wonderful to have such a "down-to-earth/approachable" ministry team at Grace, most certainly including the pastors' wives!! We appreciate your welcoming smile and servant's heart each week! Thanks for all you do for our Grace Community!

February 13, 2010 @ 11:21 PM

7. shana wooley wrote:
I, too, am extremely honored to have you in my life. You are a wonderful person with a HUGE heart (how else could you hold all of us in there?!). I love seeing your smiling face and I look forward to your warm hugs. Thank you for being a pastor's wife and my friend.

February 14, 2010 @ 7:16 PM

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