Wednesday, July 14, 2010

COMPARING MAGNOLIAS TO MAGNOLIAS



SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA TREE


From a distance your unremarkable. What with your large, wide base and shiny, stiff, leathery, dark green leaves. Most times you just blend into the ordinary of road side foliage.

Most times, I say, except when your in bloom. Well now. What can one say 'bout them blooms?
Not ordinary, that's for sure! Beautiful, elegant, white petals. Sometimes six, eight or twelve of them, but who cares and who is counting anyway? One whiff of your wonderfully sweet fragrance erases all of the ordinariness about you.

Might as well talk about when your not in bloom. Yea, let's talk about that a minute. Your sturdiness does not go unnoticed. In storms, you do not bend nor break. As a matter of fact, you barely lose a leaf! Often, I have coveted your ability to withstand stress without experiencing structural damage.

Who knew, God, in His great wisdom, would make a human version of you?



STEEL MAGNOLIAS




If you looked up the word 'steel magnolia'
I'm sure you would find her picture there.
Such a tiny,frail , wee woman
yet so courageous, iron willed and strong.

She loved the Lord, her church and family too.
Always being about the Father's business
with so very much to do.

Her voice was soft as an angel's whisper
but there was stead fast conviction
In all that she spoke.

She's gone to be with her Jesus now
We will miss her sorely, but get by somehow.

Heaven will enjoy a sweeter fragrance for sure;
as the sweetest "steel magnolia"
Makes her abode in heaven, with Jesus so pure.



*Mrs. Chassie Aubrey Stamper
Our friend in Christ
Left for Glory July 11, 2010
She was 95 years old.*



Southern Magnolias grow in the southeastern part of the United States.


Such is not the case with "Steel Magnolias" as they can be found most anywhere...if you take notice that is. Look around you. Who is the "Steel Magnolia" in your life?


If you find one, give 'em a big hug and tell them you love them.


19 comments:

Finding Pam said...

Debra, your loving tribute to your friend was so very beautiful and touching. I have a Steel Magnolia in my life, but she is only 90.

Forsythia said...

Miss Chassie sounds like she was a lovely lady.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Debra:

I just spent time with a 'steel magnolia' in my life, in Norway. She is 91 and fits your description to a T...

Words of wisdom here, and I am so thankful for the beautiful magnolia of Aunt Maren in my life.

Hugs!

Sonja

Stacey said...

What a beautiful way to show respect for someone you love, Debra! Thank you for sharing it here. I'm sorry for your loss.

I spent time with my "Steel Magnolia" yesterday. I need to make it a point to spend more time with her!

Amrita said...

Beautiful life lived for God.This magnolia has left her perfume, softness and beauty for all to remember and cherish.

Maxine said...

What a precious post, Debra. What a precious woman, I'm sure. I've known a few of these. They're gone now.

It's so strange. I read two posts in a row that talked about magnolia trees and I had never heard about them before tonight.

Anonymous said...

your poems are so much better than mine...i love them both...but mostly I love you

Have a great Thursday
Jen

Travis Cody said...

I'm very sorry for your loss.

LibbyLibbyLibbyLibbyLibby said...

Beautiful tribute! Beautiful lady! She is now dancing with loved ones no doubt!

Donna said...

Hi, Debra,
What a sweet tribute, and beautifully written. My sweet mom is definitely a "Steel Magnolia".
Lady Katherine wants me to host a party for us maybe in Sept. I dunno. I'm not much of a hostess type person. Still, it might be fun.
Donna

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Chassie with us. My brother and I are taking our Steel Magnolia on a mini-vacation next week.

Kathryn Magendie said...

Beautiful . . . lovely . . . wonderful! What a tribute this is...

Grayquill said...

Great post and will written. I wonder if Mrs Stamper is thinking, 'She noticed'
Good job.

Anonymous said...

So sad seeing such strong witnesses for Christ leave voids here on earth...yet so beautiful to know their fragrance fills the halls of Heaven!

I love magnolias!

Brenda said...

A beautiful tribute!

Anonymous said...
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Patrinas Pencil said...

I've enjoyed browsing through some of your past posts today. Steel Magnolias- yes, I've encountered a few. Wish my dad could be one of them. It would be so much easier. But sadly - he carries a negative depressed and even angry spirit in this season of his life. I am praying for a 'turn around anointing" ... that someday JOY will be downloaded into his spirit - like your Mrs Chassie. The Joy of the Lord is our strength. He knows that in his head but it rarely comes forth from out of his spirit anymore. Will you Pray with me that he will receive The Joy of the Lord like your Mr Chassie.

Blessings. Debra
Patrina <")>><

Genevieve said...

So sweet, thank you for posting this....God be with you!

Deborah Ann said...

I guess my mother in law could be given this title. She is sharp as a whip, even though she'll be turning 90 this Christmas!

Beautiful post, Deb!