Women of the Vine
Thank you to everyone who helped in the Women’s Ministry Mission Project! Bags were delivered to White Knoll High School and Carolina Springs Middle School and they were so grateful. Bags will be distributed to girls in need.
It seems unnatural to “name it,” to say it out loud – that there simply are seasons in our Christian lives where we feel a silence from God.
As you might imagine, I have been in just that season. After 29 years of teaching, I retired at age 52 with two children who are school-age. I feel more peace than I have felt in so many years and I KNOW it was the right thing. But, I walked away from sun-up to sun-down hustle and bustle to simply stand still. I am afraid I don’t know how to just stand still.
It’s the waiting – for me. I don’t know about you, but I am a bit impatient and I like to know what is ahead.
Recently, Pastor Jeff (Wright) said, “Times of silence from God are meant to draw out the fragrance of faith from you.” What a great reminder that God has a purpose for us even during those times when He seems silent.
This is not my first season of feeling this “silence” from God.
The message I am currently getting from Him is: Just hold tight. Hang on. I’m not ignoring you. Just hold on. I’m not done. I’ve got something brewing for you. Use this time to draw near to me and get geared up for what is coming.
Although I don’t know what is ahead, God is drawing out a sweet fragrance of faith as I wait and trust fully in Him that HE’s got this!
It is not easy for me. I feel like I am missing something. Something BIG. Do you ever feel that way? Like: God, hello??? I’m over here! Do you see me? What am I supposed to do? What’s next? What’s NOW?
How about you? How is God speaking to you when it feels like he’s being silent?
God’s promise in Isaiah 55:11 – “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Psalm 62:5 says “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.” When you feel like God’s far away and you can’t hear his voice, what you need to do is abide in Him. Our hope is in the Lord, which is where patience, joy and peace can live in us abundantly.
Join us for our 2026 Skills Workshop on Saturday, August 29th. This will be a time to fellowship together and learn some new skills. There will be the opportunity to attend 3 different breakout sessions. Classes will include bow making, canning, resin art, essential oil make and take, watercolor painting, and more. Lunch will be included.
Please stay tuned – more details to come!
Do you have a skill you would like to share with others? We are still looking for 1-2 more people to teach a class. Please email us at rbbcwomen@gmail.com for more info.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2:3–5)
In the words of Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Gale Smith, born in Texas City, TX, on March 24th, 1950, was a woman who made an unforgettable impact on all those lucky enough to cross her path. Gale’s life was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and the joy she found in serving others. She thrived in her career with the Department of Corrections, where she committed herself to making a difference. But it was in her personal life, where she truly shone, as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Gale was a woman of many talents and accolades. Crowned Miss Laurens 1969, and even winning the swimsuit competition at The South Carolina Beauty Pageant in 1970, Gale’s beauty was just the tip of the iceberg. Her true beauty lay in her heart, which was evident in her tireless dedication to her community through her active service in the Red Bank Baptist Church. Gale served as the head of Women’s Ministry, taught Sunday School, participated in the choir, and sung for countless events, touching the lives of all those she encountered.
Gale leaves behind a legacy of love and service. She is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Dulon Smith; loving daughter, Kim (Benji) Hook; her adoring grandchildren, Tate (Haley) Hook and Caleigh Hook; great-granddaughter, Blakely Hook; her siblings, Ralph Henry (Juanita) Williams and Linda Sue Williams (Joe) Pitts; and her sister-in-law, Marjorie Swofford; along with nieces, Anna Monaghan and Kristen Pitts; and nephews, Kevin Williams and Nicholas Williams. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank Henry Williams and Eula Mae Harris Williams, and her brother, Frank Vernon Williams.
To quote another wise woman, Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Gale’s love, spirit, and joy will continue to live on in all those she touched.
We are overwhelmed by an awesome, Spirit-filled day with all of you! It was a great day to be in the house of the Lord worshiping together! Thank you to Priscilla Shirer for an on time message and to Anthony Evans for some awesome worship time!
If you are interested in setting sail with the Women of Joy, then this event is for you. Visit the link below for more information and to register. Registration and payment will be handled directly by Women of Joy. See you there!
https://www.womenofjoyatsea.org/2024-cruise-1
Thank you to everyone who came to the 2023 Ornament Swap. The morning was a wonderful time of refreshment, fun, and fellowship. Let’s do it again in 2024!
Red Bank Baptist Women's Ministry 