And walking in Joseph’s shoes

There is an amazing woman here in Honduras. Today is her birthday and I have nothing to give her so I thought I would tell you all just a little about her. I’ve learned more from her than any other human being on earth. She is tough, obedient to God, and has an immovable faith. She is a living epistle of Truth, love, and the compassion of Jesus Christ. She is always available even when it’s uncomfortable, always willing, always stops for the one.

Her best days, the ones that most fill her with the manifest presence of God and make her face light up with His light and love are those spent walking miles through the mountains carrying a few bags of rice and beans to feed the poor and then sit in the dirt with them. Lower and slower and to know Christ and Him crucified is her goal. Her greatest most heartfelt desire is that others would know Jesus as she does and more. She is a true worshipper who loves God more than anyone I know. She loves to dance. To see her dance before the Lord in worship is to witness one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen on earth. Her very presence is a constant reminder and frequent conviction to me of what is most important. I am so very blessed and honored to call her my wife.

I want to honor her today in particular because today 11/22/2020 is her birthday. She lost almost everything and doesn’t even have a home. Still her greatest concern right now is for those who just lost theirs.

Her favorite movie is The Passion of the Christ. Lately she has been pondering aloud the scene where after being nailed to the cross the soldiers pull Jesus into a vertical position and the cross settles into the waiting post hole. Meanwhile Mary rises from her knees, her fists full of the earth she’d been clutching. Her hands slowly and reluctantly open in apparent surrender.

Cathy frequently wonders what she would have done had she been present when Jesus was tortured and crucified. Would she have become dejected as the Apostles did. Or would she have screamed “Why?!!” in rage at God. What was in the natural the most horrific treatment of any human being at the hands of another became the path of redemption for all of humanity.

His ways are not our ways.

For example, this Land Rover that you saw parked across from our house the day before the landslide does not belong to us. We don’t own a car. It is a ministry vehicle and was used to rescue us after the landslide. Josh picked it up the day it started raining because someone had siphoned half a tank of gas. It would be gone and we would still be completely stranded had the gas not been stolen.

While Jesus is the eternal answer to everything that ails us, Mary is the often under rated example of what it actually looks like to embrace that Truth here in earth. Perhaps it is the suffering of childbirth and motherhood that afforded Mary and all mothers with the deepest understanding of God’s grace and compassion such that they become living epistles. All I know is that Cathy is God’s living epistle to me and more people than she knows.

Today I want everyone to know it.

I want to honor my wife today because today is her birthday and I almost lost her. If there is anything at all that is good in me here on this earth it’s because God knew I needed her for a wife. Frankly, I don’t know how I would ever go on without her.

Ironically we slept under this statue of Joseph on the night our home was washed away. I felt, but could not identify the significance at the time. There’s not a whole lot written about Joseph in the Bible. We are left to imagine how he might have felt and what he thought as he became homeless and stood by and supported his wife who was quite literally filled with the manifest presence of God. When I tell you that children and adults  in our village cry and ask us to stay, they are not crying to me. They are crying to and over the loss of Cathy. Cathy’s birthdays have been historically tragic. There is a time and season for everthing. This is Cathy’s season. I can not give her anything. Even if I did she’d give it away. My prayer today is that God grant her His peace and joy.  All I can say is that today

I think I have a better idea of what it it must have been like to walk in Joseph’s shoes.

We’ve got a long hard road ahead of us. If you think of it perhaps say a prayer for Cathy today.  I am so much more aware of just how much she has impacted the lives of others than she. I just wanted the world to know just a few of the reasons why I love her and am so amazed by her.

MARANATHA!

Published by Brian and Cathy Gray

We are former full-time Christian missionaries to Honduras begining a new chapter in Tennessee. Jesus is Lord. He is also Truth. All others must take a back seat. Brian is the writer. Cathy is the editor. Together we are one flesh, one heart, and one mind in Jesus's name. God bless!

23 thoughts on “The Most Incredible Woman”

  1. So so beautifully written Brian!!!! Wishing a HAPPY BIRYHDAY to beautiful Cathy today!!!!! May she be honored today by the love of those around her…. God’s richest Blessings always xxxxx

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  2. Words fail me to properly express or merit how awesome God is and also how impessed I am with Brian and Cathy Gray and ministries….in Partnership with our all knowing, omniscient, Soverign EternalGod of the ages you all have been it through it all….” My reward is with me saith th Lord”

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  3. Very moving tribute, Brian! Cathy is truly beautiful inside and out and a blessing to all who know her. Your love, words, support, and strength will bless her more than any gift could at this time. I pray Cathy has the most amazing and blessed birthday ever! HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Cathy!!! May God fill you through and through to overflowing today and every day. You are an amazing woman! God bless you and keep you as you continue to be a blessing to others. Love & Hugs!

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  4. This is beautiful Brian. Praying for you both and your village through this time. Give Cathy a hug for me and tell her I miss her- well I miss both of you!

    Ella – V squad

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  5. She, as are you, is a gift to humanity!!
    It is Michelle’s birthday today too! I must make her breakfast and write her birthday card. I am keeping all in Honduras in my thoughts and prayers.

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  6. I’m so sorry for the loss of your home~ we are following events moment to moment in our mutually beloved Honduras. Our organization is working with our local partners bringing relief efforts into SPS and the Sula Valley. Our hearts are there, though we have not yet been able to travel back. Our hearts are with you through this loss and the challenges ahead. Thank you for the good work you continue to do, Brian and Cathy, on behalf of our friends in Honduras. I hope that there may be many wonderful moments in your special day, making your birthday a brighter day.
    Sending love, Jennifer
    #CommunityHealthPartnershipHonduras

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  7. Happy birthday Cathy , I love you and everything you do for others and am so honored to call you my sister!( Even tho you did lock me in the closet
    When we were little)!😜😘🙏🏻 Beautiful post Brian!🙏🏻🙏🏻

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  8. Thank you Jesus for your faithful servants.
    For beautiful souls❤️. Protect them Father. Holy Spirit fill them, surround hem with your presence. And Jesus be there peace for you are the Prince of Peace👑. Calm the winds and shine your light over all they do☀️.
    In Jesus mighty powerful name. Amen 🙏🏽

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  9. This is possibly the most beautiful birthday post I have ever read. Cathy you are a treasure. I could picture how your eyes light up with excitement and passion when you talk about living for God’s Kingdom. You are loved more than you know. Praying for you both and for Honduras.

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  11. Happy Birthday to the amazing woman of God, Kathy! Such a beautiful tribute to her, Brian! I am so blessed that I had the privilege of meeting you both while in Honduras. You both are Godly examples of laying down your lives for the Kingdom! God bless you both!!

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  12. All of that is true. She is one of the most self-sacrificed people I know. She lives the joy of laying her life down for others. Happy Birthday Cathy!!! Your heart shines brightest in the difficulties of life. Well done!!

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  13. Happy Birthday Cathy !!
    You are an awesome, loving, kind a proverbs 31 woman,
    The world is a better place because you were born.
    We love you

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  14. Pingback: The Most Wonderful Woman – GRAY HOPE ABIDINARY BlOG

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