Queen Phyllis the Great

Baby AmZyg's EDITOR wrote:
My first ever actual "Christian Book" purchase was one written by Phyllis Schlafly. It was a thank-you gift for a nice church lady named Jane Webber, who had "discipled me" for three or four months every week at her kitchen table. As she unwrapped it, she looked shocked.

It was one of those not-easy-to-disguise half smiles that really said "...have I taught you nothing? This woman is not a Protestant, she's a, a, a, you know; a Catholic." But I smiled anyway and assured her that she'd love it.

I forget the title of that book, but fifteen years later, I would join the Eagle Forum and soon after, pose for a photo with its founder,

the inimitable, 

the one and only, 

the cutting edge  Mother 

of 

Christian Conservatism 

herself,
Mrs. Phyllis Schlafly. 

And for my fleeting chance to say something profound to this lioness of 20th century heroism while we briefly stood together for our photo, I heard myself ask her whether she finds her Catholic supporters outnumber her protestant ones. I wish I could recall her response.  All that I recall about that momentous opportunity to mine the mind of a truly great person was the soul crushing realization that she... hated my question. It was a 'dismiss' of an answer. A sleight. A wave off. Be Gone You Knave she seemed to insinuate with her quick reply, whatever it was...

My anti-catholicness was leaking out in the asking, even then.

But I still loved her.

And today, I mourn her passing.

St. Louis MO newscast

This truly great American Female has run a race like no one else. She marked her place on this planet like a true QUEEN of the realm, filled with dignity, moral suasion, intellectual prowess, effectual DOING (though her mothering skills might've lacked a certain touch; not all her kids were wild about her), and a legacy of position papers that, G-d Willing, will someday form the oeuvre of great Political Theory courses across the land.

I've long ago parked my prized EF Eagle Pin in the back of my jewelry box, esp after moving away from the monthly gatherings of likeminded Feisty Gals.  But those ten (hello? it was 15) years of monthly service were formative for both me and my children.  Phyllis flew out to speak at our chapter more than once during that decade.

A beloved leader stands center, circa 2000. I think I'm behind the camera for this visit.
(Where is that pic of me and P?)

((Most humble apology begged of the other Female Great captured here,  back in the shadows: EZOLA FOSTER.  Why did i not insist she join this photo?
I am such a dork. She was, and is, a most gracious and humble Giant among us.))

Phyllis, may you rest in peace, and thank you for serving your country in ways none of us can fathom, none can even imagine. When I ponder the lengths you must have gone to study, write, speak and lobby. I am tired for you. Because you never were.

Blessings always, on the name and legacy of Mrs. Phyllis Schlafly. 

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For it is appointed unto man once to die, and then the judgement. 

(Hebrew 9:28)

Salvation is by faith, not works, that no man should boast.

(Eph 3:8)

Justification by Grace, not works...

(book of Romans, entire)

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P.S.

(I've often thought back to that GoLady Activist book, and wondered if Jane Webber summarily shot the book straight into her kitchen trash bin. That's how reviled we were (and still are) by works-based religions that masquerade as Great Faiths.  Great faith in Christ that is "Authentic Christianity," is not one of them. It is not an institution.  It is a two-way relationship with Him who is fully God and fully Man; not a relationship w/ a denomination,  regal hierarchy or no regal hierarchy.  It is an intimate relationship born of the certainty that my sin has separated me from all that is holy; and that He has paid a way for my pardon.  That pardon consists of, and unleashes, unmerited GRACE, arrived at merely by being broken for my sin.

I have experienced the healing power of that Grace, but it did not come by impressing God with my good behavior; not by believing I must attain some level of personal perfection to pay God back for my misdeeds before being allowed into heaven...

...which, for the typical religionist, is a piece of cake. We fallen humans seem only able to own up to the most trivial things. 'Little white lies' or some cheating on homework or MAYBE some necking with dicey boyfriends and the like, denial being denial. But the first leg of the matter relies upon an honest self-eval that agrees with Holy Writ: We are all F*****! (Bleeeeeeeep.) Good news, tho. At the foot of the cross, the ground is level. We all are equal offenders. The point is, just get there, kneel, and heal.

But that, I suppose, is for another post. Meanwhile, tHIS:  Extreme Grace

Eternal Rest happens IN CHRIST, 

not in the prayers of well meaning kneeling votive lighters.