Longer, Stronger, Taller, Smaller
Tribute to Sherrie Whitten
“The memory of the righteous is a blessing” (Proverbs 10:7a ESV)
Last spring, a small group of loyal ladies favored me by functioning as the beta testers of a Bible study I felt led to write. The title Longer, Stronger, Taller, Smaller was inspired by a mantra my sister created to mark her progress on a difficult health journey. After a lengthy hospital stay, her rehab goal was to stand longer, stronger, and taller while her wounds grew smaller. She has come a long way toward those goals, praise the Lord.
Likewise, the ladies who joined that Bible study have come a long way, too. Though many of our other [professional] Bible studies have been even more influential, we are still manifesting the spiritual and biblical applications of Longer, Stronger, Taller, Smaller as well.
With today marking the homegoing celebration of a core member of our precious LifeGroup Ladies Bible study, I want to honor Sherrie and the Lord by reviewing some of the principles by which our beloved friend lived her beautiful life:
LONGER (Perseverance) is one of the key qualities of those who trust in the Lord. As Sherrie persevered and endured through an onslaught of hardships, distress, and challenges far “longer” than pronounced medically possible, we watched her reap the enduring rewards of character, hope, and love that suffering and perseverance produces:
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” Romans 5:3-5 NIV).
STRONGER (Resilience) comes from strengthening our spirits, bodies, minds, and hearts so that we can truly anchor ourselves to the Source of all strength, our mighty God and powerful Savior Jesus Christ.
In the process of anchoring ourselves to Christ, we become stronger and more resilient because we are no longer tossed to and fro on the winds of change or carried away by the wakes, currents, or undertow caused by circumstances or others. Like a boat in a safe harbor, Sherrie remained fixed, secure, and at rest in Her Savior, her countenance always reflecting His peace and His glory.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…Hebrews 6:19a
TALLER (Alignment)
Have you noticed how some people begin to stoop as they age? Instead of growing taller, they start bending toward the earth. Although this physical phenomenon may be difficult to control, spiritually we grow taller and more in alignment with God when we surrender our will to His. We start by deliberately “climbing up” the ladder of prayer to the position from which God views us and our situations, our desires, and our longings. From that vantage point, we begin to grow “taller” and see more and more from His perspective:
“Hear my cry, O God; Attend unto my prayer. From the ends of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1-2 KJV).
I can only imagine how much taller Sherrie stands now as she is in perfect alignment with God!
SMALLER (Focus)
Consider this: You don’t have to do all there is to do. Let someone else experience some of the blessing! When we ask God to help us align our desires with His, He will help us focus on what is our responsibility, and He will equip us with the necessary time and resources. Plus, the doing will delight when it’s by His design!
So, if you find yourself agitated, aggravated, or overwhelmed from doing too much, ask the Lord to help you focus your efforts on the “All but Only” He knows is just right for you. The peace of Christ and the delight in the doing will be your confirmation. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
Sherrie’s exuberant living and joyful attitude despite her devastating diagnosis of colon cancer has provided a lasting testimony of God’s awesome power and love. Though she acknowledged the disease in her body, she lived each day triumphantly and gratefully, “experiencing more in two years than some people do in a lifetime.” Sherrie showed us how to live more intentionally, funneling her focus on the “All but Only” God called her to do as she served Him and others with joy.
This commentary from biblehub.com explains the far-reaching impact of those, like Sherrie, who learn to live Longer, Stronger, Taller, Smaller: “This phrase ‘The memory of the righteous is a blessing’ (Proverbs 10:7a ESV) emphasizes the enduring legacy of those who live according to God's principles. In biblical context, righteousness is often associated with obedience to God's laws and a life marked by integrity and faithfulness. The righteous are remembered fondly because their lives reflect God's character and bring blessings to others...The righteous leave behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire future generations.”
So, What Can We Learn?
When you think about it, all of us live with some form of dis-ease…
But we have a choice. We can either dwell in the anxiety zone, fretting or fuming about things we cannot control – or we can forge ahead purposefully in the time we are given, choosing to develop perseverance, resilience, alignment, and focus.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 NIV).
Father,
Help us understand and apply all the ways you want to grow us longer, stronger, taller, and smaller. We dedicate our minds, hearts, bodies, and souls to know you better and trust You more. Help us make each day count for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Wobbly Warbler invites you to grow Longer, Stronger, Taller, and Smaller as you sing along with this song introduced to me by another precious friend:
This is not only a beautiful tribute to Sherrie but also wonderful advice for me. "All of us live with some form of dis-ease." Absolutely true; also excellent remedy!
Thank you for getting me to stop today and think how to live better--longer, stronger, taller, and smaller. Love and appreciate you!
A beautiful tribute to Sherrie and her exemplary life. In reading her obituary, she had a theme of gratefulness. The "Gratitude Pumpkin" she made is a great symbol of her life. I'm holding her and her family and friends in my heart and prayers today as they go through this tough transition.
Love the LSTS - All But Only mantra! Thanks, Dalene, for consistently encouraging us to live our best lives in every way and beautifully honoring those in your circle.