Letter to: My Dear Friend “A Special Lady” 1-18-26

The friendship, relationship and sisterly bond between Patricia and me dates back to when we were quite young in Greensboro, NC. Our families lived a few doors from each other. Patricia being the only girl with six male siblings, definitely made her special.

Some Sundays I would attend church services with the family. Mr. Monroe and Mrs. Johnsie played a major role as being examples of good morals; yet it go beyond that; they were God fearing. Reflecting back decades ago, they lives definitely modeled Jesus, and until I started writing this message, I began to recognize the impact they had on my life.

After my family moved to another side of town, I lost contact with Patricia for a long time. We reconnected and began communicating with each other and there were physical meetings; at a restaurant and at her lovely home. Our relationship flourished into a deeper bond that has continued to this present time.

I certainly thank the Lord for reuniting us and making all those missing years seem as though there was no time or distance between us. Now that we are hundreds of miles away from each other, Facebook and Messenger have been a great source of people connecting.

Letter to Patricia

Grace and peace to my friend, sister in Christ and fellow laborer, ever since the Lord reconnected us, you have shown yourself to be serious in your walk with Christ. The times we were in each other’s company was always edifying and building each other up in faith,

whether it was at K&W or in your lovely home.

You never forgot the childhood training from your godly parents, and even when you veered off course as we all do, you got back on track with the help of the Lord.

The encouragement that I am offering you through this letter is to keep allowing the Lord to work in and through by shining bright for Jesus above ALL else (Matthew 5:13-16).

Always be in tune with the Spirit of God.

1)      I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding (Psalm 32:8-9a).

2)      Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, this is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21).

3)      Let the Holy Spirit be your guide.  However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come (John 16:13).

Continue adding to your faith, with assurance my dear sister, as to what the Lord has called you to do, and you will never stumble (2 Peter 1:10). I have no doubt that you are striving to fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

Blessings!

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org

I write the messages as they are given to me; many times, the person leave out something relevant that I add. The letter is sent to them to be edited and approved.

Yesterday, my friend Patricia responded:

Your words are so encouraging to me. I am crying because you have validated my life in ways that I have “ always wanted to let my light shine.” It is all about serving the Master. And let me say that you have always been a “bright light in my life as well.

Remember on your front porch, you introduced me to Freddie “Curly” Neal? (eventually the Harlem Globetrotters Curly Neal). My mom loved and trusted you for me to go anywhere with you....to Windsor Center and across town....anywhere. We were so adventurous. I believe I was about 12 years old when we met. God has truly been so good to us.

Much Love

Patricia