December 30th would’ve been my mother’s 82nd birthday.

After my mother’s passing, God used several older women to teach me about following Jesus, particularly in the areas of motherhood, family, and hospitality.

Dr. Lois Evans was one of them.

I was welcome at her table. Pancakes after Wednesday night Bible study. Oxtails for dinner. That famous cherry cake for dessert. An epic nap in a spare bedroom waiting for Sunday afternoon choir rehearsal to start.

And though her home was beautiful, it was never merely about the actual, physical table. She knew how to make home feel inviting to anyone who entered.

The real invitation? To see Jesus more clearly. To follow Him more closely. To abide with Him (she loved John 15:5). To treasure Him.

At Christmas, she had a stash of gifts at the ready for whoever came by. She made room in her life for the orphan and the stranger in her sphere.

Including me.

She made Jesus the heart of her home.

Wisdom dripped from her lips (which were never without lipstick). As a twenty-something young woman, I soaked up as much as I could. It was more precious than gold.

She was the kind of woman who made other people want to rise to the level of her excellence.

She was beautiful—inside and out. Her radiance pointed others to Jesus.

She will be missed by many.

Including me.

Happy birthday to my own mother, Sylvia Maultsby. And happy heavenly birthday, Sis. Evans.

Your faith has been made sight.