Meet the Man at the Well

"My love and deep gratitude to my son, Tom Fox, who by his example led me to a clear commitment of my life to Jesus Christ. ... Thanks most of all to Jesus Christ, who made my life to shine by sending His Holy Spirit into my heart" from her book "In the Hands of the Potter."

This son who led his mother, by example, to our Lord knew there were many obstacles to overcome. Born Lucille Wood Smith, it was changed to Frances Octavia Smith while she was still a baby. She changed it again when she married at fourteen and gave birth to Tom before her divorce and remarriage at seventeen. Just a few years later she changed it again after another divorce and remarriage, followed by a divorce. In Memphis she changed her name twice for her career.

Once more she remarried -- this time they remained married, beginning their family with her son and his son and two daughters. They would raise nine -- three they would lose before they were grown. Their birth daughter, Robin; their adopted daughter, Debbie; their adopted son, John David.

It was Robin's story, "Angel Unawares", her first book I read, and cried over, that opened her life to my eyes and opened my eyes to her faith. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2 KJV)

But the one that most exemplifies a Christian life is "The Woman at the Well." Led by her own son, she came to that well of living water and told others Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (John 4:29 KJV)

God knows all we have done, and He loves us. We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 KJV)

He told us how much He loves us. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

I wonder how many younger than Boomers, or maybe Generation X, recognize her name -- Dale Evans Rogers? How many have read her books of Christian family and love. If you haven’t, come to know her through her works. And, through her works, come meet the Man at the well.

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:25-26 KJV)