Thoughts of Mrs. Autumn: Reflections of a Wesley Mom

When Rebekah was a baby, I received some advice from a homeschooling father that fundamentally changed my view of parenting. He said to me, "Get a vision of who you want her to be as an adult, and raise her in that direction." So, that's what I did, and she has exceeded every goal.

    The Wesley is the place where I have been able to see the fruit from the years of plowing, sowing, and watering. The Wesley is the place where I get to see generational blessings continue, and generational curses utterly destroyed. I get to see tiny seeds grow into high, hanging branches that shade other people. This is good for a mother's soul.

    Being a part of the Wesley Foundation is, to me, a logical continuation of the vision I had for her as a child. I raised her to do the right thing because it is the right thing, no pat on the back expected. Our motto is, "We are community servants and do-gooders." I raised her to worship the Lord in all seasons because He is worthy to be praised in rain and drought. It is good for my soul to see her step into a place of facilitating adoration unto the Lord. I get excited about this next generation of the church worshiping together. All those years of having to go to worship practice with her mother are producing a harvest through the ministry of the Wesley.

    Let's talk about the Church for a minute. Her father and I always sought out churches that represented the entirety of God's creation. Not a color. Not a socioeconomic group. Not even a denomination. Jesus Christ is coming back for THE Church, one body of believers, not a group of squabbling children. This spirit of unity is present at the Wesley. I believe, firmly, that the leaders and the students of the Wesley community are fulfilling the hope of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What was his hope? That his children would be known by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. The content of their character. This is important...this is important.

    It is important to work to heal the wounds of the rural South. It is important to heal the wounds left from a turbulent, abusive childhood. It is important to reach across borders to God's people who may feel alone and discarded. The Wesley community allows Rebekah to participate in all of this, being the hands and feet of Jesus. She was not raised to throw people away.

    The Wesley is a place where Rebekah can bear fruit and be pruned simultaneously. She can have one hand out to lift someone up, while another's hand is reaching down for her. This is a lesson for us, older Saints. Are we bearing fruit of patience and gentleness? Are we considering others before ourselves? I think the current culture of back-biting and name-calling would suggest otherwise. I believe the leadership of the Wesley is challenging Rebekah and the other members to be bridge-builders, not wall-constructors.

    I want to take this opportunity to speak to the community like I think the leaders are speaking. In all your doings, do you know Who you are doing it for? Do you know His voice when He speaks to you? The Word says, "My sheep know My voice, and another's they will not follow" John 10:27. The voice you are following now will affect the next 20 years of your life. Make sure that voice is leading you to Jesus, and not away from Him. Listen to your church elders and teachers. They have been where you are going. Although you are a mighty group, you are not yet fully trained. 1 Timothy 5:17 says, "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." Honor those who are reaching down to bring you up. Honoring: being on time, fulfilling your promise, not listening to or spreading gossip about your leaders. This shows your character.

    I can tell you that my daughter is the same in the dark as she is in the light. What she sowed in tears growing up, she reaps in joy with the community. You are her people group, her tribe. Her character, her purpose demonstrated and increased through her connection with the Wesley community. This is good for me to see. It is a validation of the vision God gave me for her. For that, I thank you.

Autumn Beck is the mother of Wesley community member Bekah Beck. Mrs. Autumn’s influence is felt through her prayers and support for the ministry, along with the occasional gift of her singing voice to Wesley open mic nights. She is a faithful Christian and a deeply valued extension of our community.