I first visited the Little Cowan community, over Town Hill from Whitesburg, KY over fifty years ago. The strength of that approximately three mile creek from its head to Big Cowan Creek was in the descendants of several families which settled there in the early to mid 1800s and even into the twenty-first century has descendants living there. From the mouth of the creek up, names of the larger families were and are Banks and Caudill, to this day. the Gibson, Day and Adams family added their numbers and perhaps a dozen other families lived there for some generations. In the early 1900s they established a Primitive Baptist church which still has regular services. Many have moved away. Weddings, funerals and reunions sometimes bring the older ones back, but there are families established in various parts of the country in which none of the younger generations are returning. Those ties, memories and traditions have been, for the most part, severed and are being forgotten. But for some residents, today, the memories linger on. Twenty years ago the Little Cowan church was often filled with people who could count family ties back into the 1800s. Now, its one of the smaller churches in the County, with few of the earlier generations, if still living, able to attend very often. But a few of them are still around, nearing 100, with reasonable expectations of being able to make it. That phrase, if still living, has a special significance, for from its founding the Little Cowan church has had meetings where the moving of the Holy Spirit is so strong, that sensitive souls can feel angels there, and some remnant of prayers made by early members for the success and continuation of the church still somehow being reactivated. One of the matriarchs of the community (a title she would likely smile about, perhaps even laugh) is Virginia Gibson Brown. I dont know much of what she has contributed to the community thru a long giving and sharing life, but what I do know lets me believe that theres much more which could be told. Virginia taught Sunday School at Little Cowan church for many years, she helped organize and direct the Christmas program, attended annual association meetings many years, and was one of several women on the creek who brought enough food to church dinners to feed three or four times her own family. She and her husband Myrel sponsored a 4H group many years. The had Rook parties at their home which welcomed people near and far. They had open house type dinners at their home, actually outside, on the beautiful grounds, for groups which wouldnt have fit in their large home. She helped support the Womens Club which had various arts and crafts projects. Her own ability with needle work, quilts, pillows, etc. has won much acclaim. Back to the church, Virginia had her second row seat and little stool for her feet, which she would gladly and pleasantly have given to anyone who for some reason needed it, but no one ever asked. She was so happy and pleasant there, and was a bright spot in the fellowship. One of the quieter ones, seldom speaking out, but always worth listening to closely, her thoughtful and caring comments added to the beauty and joy of many services. This is enough background to let you know Im discussing a very special person. Virginia is presently in the hospital, near her grandsons family in Johnson City. She fell from the tall stool anyone who visited her home would remember in the kitchen. Her broken and cracked bones are trying to knit back with the limited resources of which a 94 year old woman is capable. Obviously, prayer for Virginia is needed now and for some time to come. I hope you will join me in praying for her: Our dear heavenly Father, we come before you with hope and faith and trust, on behalf of Virginia Brown, asking for the special and powerful care that You can put into effect when we need it most. Virginia is loved by so many, and loves so many more, that we ask that ongoing love and care be directed particularly to her physical and spiritual needs now and while it continues to be needed. Let the guardian angels you have assigned to her be reinforced by volunteers to make that help and support constant and evident. Help those who love her and care for her to pray without ceasing, which in this situation is to be (in addition to the prayers offered up) in an attitude of prayer about her needs. From personal experience I know the likelihood that there are times when the fervent prayers of trusting believers on her behalf accumulate with such power that she can feel it in heart and mind, and even in the room about her. Let that powerfully sustaining experience be repeated for her, again and again in days to come. Let her feel the power of Your presence, the caring caress of Christ our sweet Savior, the uplifting and supportive presence of the Holy Spirit, and the help of ministering angels. We thank You for Your love toward Your people and all creation, we ask these gifts not for our deserving, but for our faith in Your power and Your love, and your will to do good. Help and protect Virginia in all ways within your that will. God, help Your people. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 08:51:28 +0000
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