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A 50+ers Tribute to Mabel Diehl

The following is a guest post by Mrs. Beverly Adams in the passing of Mabel (Grandma) Diehl, as requested by Pastor Pope. We hope it is an inspiration to you to run and finish your race well.

When thinking of all the complex threads God has woven into my life, the blood stained thread of Jesus Christ comes first to mind – His merciful, loving, life giving, redeeming, forgiving thread. As He continues to weave that tapestry, thoughts turn to many precious godly people – that is – golden threads glittering and reflecting light, refracting the memories of those who have touched our spiritual lives and pulled us closer to God. The imagery is glowing and reminds me of Gods powerful, profound influence on our lives and awakens thoughts of eternity with Him and eternal values stored in heaven that cannot be eaten by moths or destroyed. One of those golden threads is Mabel Diehl, and I dare say, she has been a golden thread in many of our life tapestries. And today, I am celebrating Mabel.

Mabel often told me that when she awoke in the mornings, she would always thank God for another day of life and for all of her blessings, one by one, and always include in her prayer a request to the Lord to “let her be a blessing to someone that day.” And God allowed he to do that very thing. There is a prayer of Jabez “to enlarge” his territory. Again, I think of Mabel when I think of this prayer. God, indeed, enlarged her territory, her sphere of influence in this world. When she prayed that prayer each day to be a blessing to someone, the next step was “doing” it and by God’s strength she did. She was not just a reader of the Word, but a “doer”!

When considering all of the people God has woven into my life to guide me to the Lord – a godly loving mother who prays fervently, godly grandmother and family, my thoughts, once again, also turn to Mabel Diehl. How precious it is when God sends people dilled with His righteousness, love, and wisdom to help, befriend, mentor, and pray for us. Their lives serve as beacons in this dark world, beacons that lead us to Christ and His Love. His Love shines as a glowing light in those treasured saints. We begin to see Jesus in them and our blessed Lord is glorified. In Matthew 5:14-16: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Truly, Mabel let her light shine. She recently wrote me a sweet note at Christmas sending her love, and a little lantern with lighting, and a note saying, "Let your little light shine.” Mabel wanted all of us to let our “little light shine.”

At a difficult time in my life, Mabel once said, “Bev, remember, ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength,’” and for me to cling tightly to that. Now, the “joy of the Lord must be our strength as that dear, sweet lady leaves us for a while to go to her new home.

At one of Mabel’s birthday parties, I reflected on how Mabel exemplified the qualities Paul speaks of in Philippians 4:6-9, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." - Philippians 4:6-9

Mabel genuinely embodied this scripture in her life. She was a positive influence who exuded love for the Lord and others. She dwelt on the “lovely things” in life and in others and encouraged those “lovely things” – gifts and talents in others – to blossom. By encouraging their gifts, she helped them to shine their own unique lights with their God-given gifts. She was a godly example for us all, but never condescending; she was righteous, but never self-righteous; she was so easy to talk to and down to earth, but never “earthly” in her concepts but rather bound for a heavenly wisdom in her life and actions and words; she was a peacemaker – not a trouble maker. She stood for Jesus and for what was right but always with love and tenderness and never with a judgmental attitude. She sought to draw people closer to God by loving them – loving them right into heaven. She was joyful, happy, and so appreciative of even the smallest gift or favor, so generous with her time, her prayers, her calls, and her cards. She always had time to say “Thank you” and write thank you notes, sympathy notes, birthday cards, and even when she could not see to write any more she would have Darryl, her son, write them and mail them or she would call.

Mabel laughed!!! How can we forget that twinkle in her eye and that contagious laughter and smile? She knew that “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Never could anyone who knew Mabel Diehl say a Christian couldn’t laugh or have fun. She loved and laughed!!! She made us feel welcomed, loved, and important. She was a great communicator. Mabel was a good steward of her earthly blessings and enjoyed them and appreciated them but never put them above God. She had a heart for missions and dedicated her time, her prayers, money, and work to help missionaries. Every day she would pray for each missionary on her long list – and not just a general prayer but also a specific prayer for each missionary. She prayed for me, my husband, my mom, and for my family. But I was not alone. She prayed for a long list of people on a daily basis – specific, fervent prayers. Many days she would call and say, “I want you to know that you and your mom have already been prayed for this morning.” When you gave Mabel a prayer request, she would follow up and you could be sure that request was not lost or taken lightly or forgotten. What an example that sets for all of us as prayer warriors. She was indeed a prayer warrior. She entered His gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise each day.

She was faithful to the Word of God each day of her life. To her it was, indeed, the “Living Word.” She knew we must have it to be what Christ wants us to be. She exemplified the “fruit of the Spirit” – “love, joy peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Her shining light has touched so many lives. She talked so many through their problems, their trials, their dark days, their tears, their sickness, their mourning or grief, and their broken hearts. I am sure that so very many reading this have been comforted, encouraged, prayed for, mentored, taught, and loved by Mabel. I am only one of many who have experienced that honor. Mabel called me almost every day since my husband went home to be with Jesus. When others had forgotten or were too busy or caught up in their own trials or troubles, Mabel was there. Even though she was blind and troubled with painful neuropathy she seldom ever missed a 50+ers event. She had ridden in luxury cars but enjoyed that big red and white bus and the comradery and fellowship of fellow Christians – the 50+ers of Christchurch. She encouraged everyone to come on the trips and to be a part of our church family. She was an elegant lady, but never a snob. She cared for the seniors and for people of all ages, cultures, and walks of life. She wanted the young, the old, and all those in between to be woven together in God’s great tapestry of love. She never wanted the elders” or anyone to be slighted. Your age, economic status, title, or worldly success did not matter – what mattered to Mabel was your love for Christ and for others! Mabel had so many God-given gifts, talents, titles and spheres of influence but she never used those titles to make anyone feel excluded or unimportant. On the contrary, Mabel wanted to be inclusive of everyone and for no one to “be” and “feel” “left out” or overlooked or hurt. She never used her authority to hurt others, but always invited them to “join in” and to be a part of the group. She never encouraged cliques. She welcomed our visitors and always wanted them to feel a part of our church family, and when they needed someone to listen or needed a call of encouragement, she was there. She was faithful to her friends and she was always making new friends. Mabel knew how to be a “true” friend and that is rare. She was very insightful about people and situations with a loving and biblical perspective and always tried to look at situations from God’s perspective and to always stay in prayer for others with faith that “with God, all things are possible.” One could trust Mabel with their hearts and their secrets, and know that they would not be betrayed or used. Mabel was honest, a lady of her word. But Mabel would be the first one to say, “It is Jesus, only, that allows me to be a blessing – so keep your eyes on Jesus.” She would say, “People can let you down no matter how much you love them – but Jesus will never let you down.” She would and did give all glory to God for every good thing!! She would tell us if others let you down, don’t give up – keep loving and working for God and for His kingdom and for His people. She went through so many things in her lifetime but Mabel never gave up on life or on Jesus. She wanted to be a light for Him and she was.

The person writing this is just one of the many who dearly loved Mabel Diehl. So many, now, are feeling a great loss – family, friends, and loved ones. Mabel never hoarded her love. She knew there was enough of Jesus’ love for everyone. She loved each of us in a special unique way. Jesus loves us that way doesn’t He? With His agape, unconditional love, and that is the way that Mabel strived to love others. I am sure she is loving each of us in a special, specific, insightful way, knowing each of our personalities and feelings of loss right now, and loving each of us uniquely for our own unique qualities that drew her to us. She had enough love, sweetness, thoughtfulness and prayers for each of us, and she will be a part of each of our tapestries for the rest of our lives. I have no doubt that God is saying to Mabel right now, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Mabel, we will miss you so very much, but we know you are up there with Jesus and your husband and family and with all the “redeemed”; with that “great cloud of witnesses.” Would you please give my Joe a big hug for me? Mabel, we love you and we’ll miss your sweet presence so very much! Till we meet again, my dear friend.

- Beverly Adams, your friend in Christ

 

P.S. Mabel: From the bottom of my heart, thank you for loving the 50+ers and for supporting them and for loving seniors everywhere and for empathizing with their needs, heartaches, joys, and hopes. Seniors were never overlooked or forgotten by you Mabel Diehl – nor anyone else!

Now, go out there to your homes, families and friends, all of us, and love and treasure those godly, golden threads woven into your lives – mothers, fathers, friends, family – those who set the example and helped lead you closer to Christ! Embrace their wisdom, love, knowledge, and their years. Be thankful for our “elders.” They are precious!