Comments on: Portrait of a Lady

By: dianne

dianne — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:56:26 +0000

Catea–
Just read this and it “TOUCHED MY HEART”! I can relate to a lot of her life with mine. I know she is so proud of you as I am of Christie. You & Heath have a wonderful looking family.

By: Gail Spurlock Thomas

Gail Spurlock Thomas — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:41:24 +0000

Hi Catea!
Pleae email a picture of those beautiful children to me. I have a new grandaughter named Arianna Gabrielle. God has also sent me a husband, Wayne Thomas. I am in Tallahassee at a Rehab center with my mom who had a stroke. WE lost daddy last Sept during heart surgery. Then, mama’s house was destroyed by a tornado in March. I am
teaching Pre-K. I’ve always loved you and I saw this website. You wrote a great story. I’m working on my next book called, Healing Prayers in Jesus’ Name, featuring photos of the Lake. God is awesome. Love you, Miss Gail

By: Tonja Bridges

Tonja Bridges — Sun, 17 May 2009 20:58:37 +0000

Catea,
That was such a touching life lesson. I know that it was not easy to write. I know your mom has endured hardships and has perservered through it all. You are an amazing person, mother, and wife. I’m sure she is very proud of you. After years of working with abused and neglected children and their families, I often wondered what made a person take the harder road and make the sacrifices they made for their families. Your mother is an example that one who has lived through abuse and neglect can be a better person and an excellent parent. So often we hear that as the excuse for people who have committed crimes and do not want to be held accountable for their actions. Life is all about choices.

By: Shirley Kirby

Shirley Kirby — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:00:45 +0000

Beautifully written, my friend. I am sure your mom is touched to know you saw the good attributes that she portrayed. They do come at a price and their value is that of rubies. God bless you in your quest to be that Proverbs 31 woman you described and to mentor little Audrey to seek the same.

By: Julie Childress

Julie Childress — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:58:06 +0000

Catea, what profound words. I’ve known some of your mom’s circumstances, but to read it like this, a greater understanding of why she is such a strong woman, and how God truly loves His children, has been given to me. I love you, my favorite sister-in-law! I’m sharing this with others.

By: Deena

Deena — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:52:12 +0000

Catea, This is a beautiful tribute to your mother…she is a special lady whom I have always admired. I remember when I was a child, ‘Miss Jackie’ was always ready with a smile and a kind word even though you (kind of) knew what she was going through at home. I have always loved your family because it seemed to be a strong family who loved each other.

By: Charla Jackson

Charla Jackson — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:40:48 +0000

Now I know why you are so lady like yourself. If Audrey is anything like you she will be a beautiful person.

By: Teena Price

Teena Price — Thu, 14 May 2009 06:37:30 +0000

Catea, thank you… thank you for sharing. I sit here in the wee hours as everyone is asleep. I needed this. I am so thankful you shared. It helps me. You know me. I think of you often… you are such an awesome example of a helpmeet.. but more than that. You are a godly wife & mother. I miss you dearly.

Again, I needed this~ its been a difficult week. Thank you~

blessings & love,
Teena

By: John Pethtel

John Pethtel — Thu, 14 May 2009 04:36:33 +0000

Thanks Catea. I’m sure it was hard as you worked through writing this but I think the example lived is one that can be lived through us all as we deal with the people in our lives.

By: Tasha King

Tasha King — Thu, 14 May 2009 04:15:23 +0000

Catea thank you so much for sharing this! Its very inspirational!Its beautiful and you write very well! Mrs. Jackie sounds like a true woman and a GREAT example for all of us women! LY

By: Kesha Parish

Kesha Parish — Thu, 14 May 2009 03:34:12 +0000

I love you so much! You described Mama just as she is and always has been. You really need to send this to her. I’m sure it would mean a lot and it would lift her up! You’ve truly touched my heart with this and I loved how you tied it in with scripture!!! (Aren’t you just the little minister’s wife now)…? I am so proud of you, Heath & your family, Tia!!!

By: Darlene Smith

Darlene Smith — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:12:26 +0000

Catea, that was beautiful and beautifully written. I’m so glad you shared Jackie’s story – it’s exactly how I see her too and always have. One of my heroes – as was her mom and as are her daughters.

By: Jason Martin

Jason Martin — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:50:54 +0000

What an awesome example of persevering through trial to reflect the image of God. I want to commend you for the courage to tell this story and cast light on a woman who has so selflessly loved. I am teary-eyed as I write this, thinking of so many others who have answered the call-of-duty that costs so much. Thank you for this.

By: Heath Houston

Heath Houston — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:12:00 +0000

It’s taken Catea years to feel comfortable telling this story. Mrs. Jackie is a special lady and the grace of God is evident in her life. What an example of persevering under trial’s and tribulations. A good example for all women. Nice job honey.

By: Carla Shiver Foster

Carla Shiver Foster — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:49:04 +0000

Catea! This is very touching. I will be printing it and giving it to Mom to read. Please let Jackie to go visit her sometime. I know momma would really like that.
God Bless!
~Carla~

By: matt

matt — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:24:24 +0000

What an amazing story, Catea. Thanks so much for sharing that.