Speakers: Kay Kinnear, Revs. Mark Lile-King and Stephen M. Fearing
Texts: Psalm 23 & Romans 8:38-39
The gentle reading of Psalm 23 opens this moving memorial service for Edith May Phillips, a 92-year-old woman whose quiet faith left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Through heartfelt remembrances and theological reflections, we discover a remarkable soul who embodied what it truly means to be "the hands and feet of Christ in the world."
Reverend Mark Lyle King shares touching stories from Edith's time at Bran Oaks Baptist Church, revealing her paradoxical nature – soft-spoken yet confident, convicted in her faith yet never imposing. What emerges most powerfully are accounts of her secret generosity, as she would regularly pull her pastor aside with a conspiratorial "Don't tell anybody about this" before pressing cash into his hand for someone in need or volunteering to help however she could. When called a "saint" during their final visit together, Edith quickly dismissed the notion, unaware of how perfectly she embodied true sainthood – not flawless living, but faithful following that brings "hope and peace into dark places" through abundant love and ceaseless forgiveness.
The service weaves together beautiful metaphors connecting Edith's identity as a master gardener with her nurturing presence in church communities. Just as she tended her beloved plants with intentionality, she cultivated relationships at Guilford Park Presbyterian Church, where she was remembered as "the great recruiter" personally inviting people to participate in church activities. The imagery of water – so essential to gardening – becomes a powerful symbol linking Edith's baptismal identity to God's redemptive work throughout Scripture.
As we reflect on Romans 8:38-39 and the closing verses of Psalm 23, we're reminded that God's love "pursues" us throughout life, and has now completed its pursuit of Edith. Her legacy challenges us to live with greater intentionality, to love more abundantly, and to trust more deeply in the promise that not even death can separate us from God's eternal love. Listen to this episode to be inspired by one remarkable woman's journey of faith, service, and quiet transformation.
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