When casually looking at the photograph from my recent visit to the cemetery, it is easy to notice certain things that have prominence. Two of which would be the grave markers with the names inscribed in large letters: Gray and Neal. As I wrote in the previous two Daily Reports, it had been some time since I had stopped by the cemetery where my daughter and my mom are buried. That day, I reflected on how this little spot had changed since we gathered there for my daughter’s service in 2001 and could not help but notice the changes that had occurred throughout the more than 20 years.

When looking carefully under the large letters of these prominent last names, one can see the names of two ladies etched there who have finished their races, having lived faithful lives that fulfilled their roles not only as wives and mothers but also as pastors’ wives. While God used their husbands in great ways, these ladies enabled this by faithfully accomplishing their own God-given duties. Whether their husbands were traveling to preach or were consumed with attention-demanding church business, the ladies fulfilled their roles. In this, they remain connected, even as they are now in Heaven. I knew my mother well. I obviously did not know Mrs. Gray as well. However, here are some things I know were true and common between them:

They were selfless.

I know this to be true for many reasons, but mostly because the ministry of their husbands would not have thrived if they had not been selfless. These ladies made many sacrifices as pastors’ wives for the sake of others.

They had afflictions.

Both of these ladies had physical afflictions. Most do not know that we nearly lost my mom 10 years prior to her death. She asked the Lord to spare her and give her 10 more years. He did. Mrs. Gray suffered numerous ailments and endured dozens of surgeries. Both of these ladies knew what it was like to have their earthly tabernacles fail them.

They worked behind the scenes.

I do not think it is a stretch to say they were the strength in the shadows. While they were visible as pastors’ wives of prominent churches, their greatest work was behind the scenes.

They had times of loneliness.

Pastors’ wives often live isolated lives and endure periods of lonesomeness. I knew this to be true in the life of my mother. Bro. Gray has conveyed to me on more than one occasion that this also was true of Mrs. Gray. In spite of this, they remained faithful.

They were strong in their doctrines and beliefs.

Tom Neal and Bob Gray are known for their strong, unwavering stands. Many have made the mistake of believing that these men’s wives did not believe how they believed. I know this secondhand about Mrs. Gray but firsthand about sweet “Mrs. Becky.” I can still hear Mom say, “Well, I’m not changing what I believe,” whenever a truth was challenged.

They had answered prayers.

Over the years, I have received many texts from the Grays telling me they were praying for me. I still have many texts from my mother telling me the same. Again, I know secondhand of Mrs. Gray’s prayer life. I know firsthand of Becky Neal’s. Many times, I walked in on her on her knees praying. I have heard too many testimonies to count from my mom of how God answered her prayers. I also know they had answered prayers because no one killed their husbands, and their husbands did not kill each other or anyone else!

They loved and served Jesus.

They loved their Saviour; that is why they served Him. They were able to make the sacrifices and do the things they did because of this fact.

They will be well rewarded.

I have no doubt that these two pastors’ wives will be well rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ, if for no other reason than for putting up with their strong-willed husbands! What a day that will be when those of us who knew and loved these ladies are able to see them acknowledged for their service for Jesus.

Even at the end of their respective lives, these two godly ladies—pastors’ wives—are overshadowed by their last names. After all, this is how they lived.

In this fact alone is a priceless lesson and an unwavering testimony.