It is on behalf of the National Black Conferences Ministers' Wives Association and all ministers' wives that I speak to relay our deepest sympathy with heartfelt compassion.
When meeting women that are ministers' wives, it brings to my mind that we have something in common. We have a unique role to play in society, especially in the society of the church. In this role, we have a common denominator that draws us into kinship, a sisterhood, a familial circle if you please. Our common denominator—being the wives of men who have chosen the profession and employment of ministry. We stand with and support our husbands in spreading the gospel—in our homes, in our church, and in our communities. As individuals, we bring to these entities the gifts that God has given us to share in ministry and service for the up building of His kingdom. Lois Scales, wife of Elder William C. Scales, Jr., was part of the sisterhood of ministers' wives, a sister of this unique familial circle.
Though a senior to some or a junior to others chronologically, Lois did not place herself higher or think herself better than any of the rest of us. She was a part of us. It is because of her beautiful personality and true model of Christian womanhood that we will miss her.
Lois reached, with her God-given gifts, without even trying, many people, her sisters in the ministry included.
It is true that Lois will be missed by her family, but she will also be missed by a "circle of sisters" that span across the nation and encompass the globe—transcending denominational, political, racial, and bureaucratic boundaries.
There are many qualities that Lois embodied that we will remember and that we will miss. Here are a few that come to mind.
We will miss her presence, her sweet and gentle nature, her smile and laugh, her wit.
We will miss her expressing Bible and Spirit of Prophecy knowledge, her spiritual nurturing and encouragement.
We will miss her humble demeanor, her direct and constructive advice, her friendship and her prayers.
We will miss Lois' melodious voice and seeing her in action for God, church, and family.
We will miss seeing her ministering evangelistically beside her husband.
She was a lady of class and dignity.
"But," we have "the" blessed hope that when Jesus comes, we will see Him in peace. Then will we have the opportunity to look for Lois, as well as other loved ones that now also sleep awaiting the call of "the Lifegiver." In the meantime, let us be fruitful to God as was Lois to the end.
Our Sister Sleeps:
Our sister sleeps, death's veil seems dark and wrong.
Our sister sleeps, all her pain and discomfort gone.
Our sister sleeps, but God whispers, "it won't be long."
Our sister sleeps—til the trumpeting angels blow strong,
Our sister will awake to hear Jesus call the faithful to His throng.
Our sister will sing, with other saints, to God the
"All Hail the Power of Jesus" song!
Our sister from resurrection morn on will live, live, live,
live eternity long!
C 1998, Paula I. Johnson
