(Note: I asked Connie Connely to share this week’s Reflections)
Years ago, many of my third-grade students wore bracelets that said WWJD. When I asked what it meant, they told me, “What would Jesus do?” I never had one of those bracelets, but if I did, I would wear it every Sunday to remind me of Julia Ford, “WWJD — What would Julia do?” as I replace her as the leader of our Ladies’ Sunday School class. Who am I kidding? No one can replace Julia!
Brother Darryl didn’t ask me to step in as the leader because I have style and flair. No, it was because I was there! Plus, I know how to use the DVD player. Julia not only talked the talk as a Christian, but she also walked the walk. When I was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2017 and had to make a couple of trips to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, Julia called to check on my mother, who was 88 years old at the time. Julia checked on everyone. She would telephone, send cards, and bring cookies to my door for a fun surprise. When I would ask her to come in for a visit, she would say, “I can’t stay long because I have some other deliveries to make.” That was Julia, always taking care of people.
When I received the phone call to pray for Julia because she had COVID, I thought, “This will be hard, but I think she will make it. If the 85-year-old lady in my book club survived COVID, surely Julia will, too.” “Why, Julia?” I have asked. Although I am 100% sure the Pearly Gates swung open wide to welcome her into Heaven, I hoped she could stay longer to watch her younger grandchildren grow up. God has His plans. Sometimes we don’t understand.
As a tribute to Julia, our Ladies’ Bible Study classes are continuing. We have recently completed: “Chasing Vines” by Beth Moore and “Forgiving What We Can’t Forgive” by Lysa TerKeurst. In addition, we plan to participate in another study about anxiety. Who doesn’t need that during this pandemic? Ladies, we would LOVE for you to join us. The more, the merrier! Don’t worry about waiting until we have a new Bible Study; just come on! That’s what Julia would do!
Hope to see you on Sunday mornings at 11:15 — 11:50! We are in the room across from the kitchen.
Connie Connely, teacher
Julia Ann Dooly Ford, June 1, 1952—May 3, 2021
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