Inspire, Winter 2000

Inspire 13 eb Jackson Searles ’81 is a well- known speaker and singer. She is also a pastor’s wife and a mother of four home-schooled children. Here, in her words, is her view of balancing and prioritizing multiple ministries. Inspire: How do you describe all that you do? Deb: Let me start by saying that sometimes the pride in us wants to answer that question in some glowing, impressive way. What I do most of the day is wash dishes, fold clothes, clean house, fix meals, run errands as well as listen, care, help and instruct my children in the ways of God. In and of itself, it’s not very exciting; but what makes it the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had is that I have an incredible opportunity to transfer my faith in God to my children! Every mundane chore I do has purpose when I realize I am teaching (by my attitude) how God gives joy and purpose to everything we do. I’ve heard it said: “Truth is more permanently transferred by our lives than by our lips.” I also have a very important ministry as a wife. My attitude in my home greatly affects my husband, Cal, and can be a blessing or a hindrance to him. I am the hub of my home. I set the tone and pace. Creating a peaceful environment is one of my highest goals. A pastor’s wife (and every wife) has a special ministry no one else fully sees. She can make or break her husband’s ministry. If she is supportive, encouraging, and uplifting, willing to serve alongside, she will make his experience sweeter. I am the only one who will be able to provide a warm and organized home when he wants to have people over. My ministry to my husband comes first. I seek to live for the Lord so His joy is my strength and I can be a joy to my husband. After my husband and children are taken care of, I enjoy serving in our church in a variety of capacities. I also still sing and speak on a limited basis. That ministry is very fulfilling but on the back burner for now. Cal and I pray over every outside commitment, and sometimes it is hard to say no, but I believe many homes fall apart when moms are over-committed. Women can be doing highly acclaimed things yet have a neglected home. Children will find a support system elsewhere if mom isn’t there. If a mom is working or ministering outside the home too much, she can become vulnerable to destructive relationships or cause her husband to be. I: What advice can you give to over-committed women? Deb: Ask yourself, “What am I doing that someone else could do?” Often we take on too much. Pray and seek the Lord with YOUR husband and do what is best for YOUR family. Don’t let others pressure you. Some of us need to learn to say “no” to our own ambitions. Priority for a woman is clear in Titus 2 where it tells the older women to teach the younger women, to simply love their children, love their husbands, and be busy working at home. We simply do not hear this enough in today’s culture. I find if I make time to daily focus on how big and great my God is and cast my cares on him, I come away more equipped to minister to my family with a much sweeter spirit than I would have had without that time. Psalm 16:8 is one of my theme verses along this line: “I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” I wrote a song on this called “Come To Me.” Busy every day Have to find my way Always striving to be better Doing what the books all say. Meet my family’s needs Keep my house just right Get up even earlier Stay up late at night. Yet in spite of all my efforts I’m not all that I should be So I ask you how to be my best and you answer tenderly. Slow down my child Come to me alone Shut the door Come boldly to my throne. As you stay here with me And you listen earnestly You’ll become what you should be Come to Me…. What has helped me greatly is looking at my life in seasons. I cannot expect to live all of life’s D ’ Tis Her Season: Deb Searles By Cessna Catherine Winslow