Spunky N Sassy: The Essence of Courage

As women we encounter multiple challenges, while simultaneously wearing many hats. We need courage to face our challenges and commitments. In Song of Solomon 4, Solomon ascribes the essences of his locked garden to the courageous woman he has taken as his wife. This inspirational study will provide an opportunity for you to discover:

• The secrets of the fruit, spices, and essential oils in Solomon’s locked garden.

• A deeper meaning of these fruits, spices and essential oil essences in Scripture by studying different women in the Bible.

• How others learn through their struggles and triumphs when you meet Cinnamah-Brosia and the women with whom she does life.

• Encouragement to allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate the essence of courage in your heart.

• Fun facts about the spices and essential oils, along with ways for you to
enjoy incorporating reminders of the fruit they represent into your life.

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Pulled reluctantly into women’s ministry nearly four decades ago, Lynn Watson now treasures the opportunities that were provided to lead, encourage and mentor women through relationships and Bible studies. She wrote a few of the studies, too. Drawing from those experiences, along with years serving others professionally in the complementary healthcare field and her love for essential oils, Lynn delights in bringing her readers freshly inspired insights drawn from and focused on the many fruits, plants, oils, and spices mentioned in God’s Word. Married since 1973, Lynn and Steve call Bartlett, Tennessee home. Their home is filled with handmade treasures and lots of love for family, especially their five beautiful (of course) grandchildren.

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Chapter 3

Cinnamah-Brosia and Friends

Share about Peace

Diffusing Today: Spikenard and Lavender

Aromatic Influence: These outdoorsy and floral aromas may help provide a spiritually uplifting and peaceful feeling in the room.

Daily Delight: Cherry Crumb Coffee Cake

Musically: You Lift Me Up (Celtic Women) Verse of the Day:

The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.

(Psalm 29:11, NASB)

“Jesus’ peace. It fell on me like a warm velvet robe in the ER waiting room and never left. I knew where Ben was going when he died. He didn’t always believe, but many years ago – your mom was a teenager then – God gave your Gramps a second chance, and he’d taken it. God will take care of me. I have His peace and His joy,” she assured me.

I’ll never forget those words the day Gramps passed on to be with Jesus. I had only known him as the kindly man that bounced me on his knee, taught me to fsh and grow tomatoes, caught lightening bugs with me, and read stories to me before Gram tucked me in on summer nights. I missed him terribly, but not nearly as much as I knew she would. Everything in Gram’s life was changing. There would be storms ahead, but she kept her voice lifted in praise:

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me, And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow; [1]

That was ffteen years ago. Gram kept the café open. It would keep her focus on others instead of her new reality – life without the man she had loved for ffty years. Gram still had lots of spunk, but a little help to keep it all running smoothly was essential.

Jeremy and I faced a crossroads in our life, with few prospects. We chose to come “home.” Jeremy joined his dad in his business. Their new partnership blessed both of them and our whole family. Gram delighted in my assistance to continue the work she loved.

My own children grew up spending lots of time hanging out here, experiencing Gram’s kindness and gentleness like I had. I watched her manage well, overcoming her fears with unexplainable peace and joy every day. Her gift of encouragement flowed freely and blessed many.

I was sharing all this with our Tuesday night group shortly after my own daughter and I had renovated and reopened as Cinnamah-Brosia’s Coffee Cottage and Gift Shop. Most of the ladies had been regulars here since childhood. All listened intently as, one by one, the ladies shared their stories of Gram’s peaceful spirit affecting their lives. Carol went frst.

“When we lost our baby at just two months old, Miss Dot crocheted a blanket to wrap her tiny body. Tucked inside her soft and cuddly handiwork was a silver cross with a Scripture attached. I treasure it dearly.”

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

Melanie spoke up next. “My parents and I really clashed on so many things when I was a teen – that might be an understatement. Miss Dot believed in me when I believed no one else did. I accepted her invitation to help here after school. As we worked, she shared her own challenges as a young woman. She encouraged me to align my choices with God’s Word and obey my parents. There’s a special Scripture she gave me, too. ‘Focus on the promise of this Word and living it, too; and blessings of joy and peace will abound in your life,’ she said. She was right.”

Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, so you will live well and have a long life.

(Ephesians 6:1-3, MSG)

Gram believed God: she and her family were doubly clothed. Their physical needs were met. She prayed a spiritual cover over them every day, then shared Jesus every chance she found. Countless times she spoke the words of the Peacemaker, and lives changed. I’m sure she claimed this promise often:

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.

(John 14:26-28, HCSB)

With fear and trembling rather than tranquility in our hearts, it’s challenging to fnd courage to make a difference for others. Many broken lives await Jesus’ peace and a touch of kindness. Our little group knelt together in prayer.

Father God – giver of every perfect gift, help us hold each other accountable. Open our eyes to the people around us desperate for Your touch. Give us courage and boldness to offer Your love, not knowing the reception our words and deeds will receive. Cover our families with Your peace just like Miss Dot’s warm, velvet robe. Let it invade our own stress. Enable us to reach out in the practical and kind ways, the same as Miss Dot always did . . .

So quiet except for tears, until one voice broke the silence and we all joined in.

My Jesus I love Thee….[2]