It doesn’t get any easier, folks. I had to say goodbye to another precious saint of God. Mary Anne Copelin, my spiritual mother, mentor, and friend, was 91 years old.
This woman of God was a true doer of the Word, believed in having a prayer life, and always sitting on ready. She was a Bible teacher, a missionary, an author, a powerhouse, and a force of nature! She touched all who came across her path. She knew the Word of God and flowed under the anointing. She always said she’d rather miss God in trying to be obedient than miss Him in not trying.
Mrs. C first came into my life some 35 years ago. At the time, I was an empty shell—broken and undone. Mrs. C picked me up, dusted me off, and took me under her wing. Then, she loved me, schooled me, and encouraged me. She allowed me to cry countless times and bare my soul. I didn’t always like or agree with everything she suggested, but I respected her knowledge and sound wisdom.
I learned much from her; some lessons took a while to sink in. I came to the realization that I am a spiritual being. I need to be who I am and not try to imitate someone else. I need to love myself first to love others. The self I need to reject is the “flesh” which dominates my soul. The flesh will abuse or misuse my personality. To have a healthy self-respect, I must see myself as a person of dignity and worth. The one with no self-worth or self-esteem tends to hide behind a mask. Been there, done that.
Over the years, I’ve met and have come to know many wonderful and dear sisters in the Lord; many are friends to this very day. Through Mrs. C’s ministry, I met another saint of God, Elizabeth Bearden, whom we also grew to love and even cared for her in her later years until she crossed over to be with the Lord.
Yes, I am grateful that this one woman enriched my life and instilled in me hope for change. Throughout my struggles and setbacks, she pushed me forward and taught me the importance of God’s grace.
So, Mary Anne, I say so long for now. Thank you for your life and for treating me like a loving daughter, even when I didn’t feel so loving. I thank God for knowing you and for being a vital part of not only my life but also the lives of my family. We will miss you until we see you again.
From Heart to Heritage
Reflections From the Heart 