Bookstore Betty*

The Apostle Paul, writing to his protégé, Timothy, spoke of Timothy’s unfeigned faith—faith that had dwelt first in his grandmother, Lois, and also in his mother Eunice—and, Paul added, “I am persuaded also in thee.” (II Tim. 1:3,4)

Betty Blythe, like these mothers of old, possessed an unfeigned faith. That faith, operative most of her adult life, was manifested in her words. She was always talking about how good her Savior was; sending greeting cards with words of encouragement; and telling you, when you happened to be together briefly before or after church, that “I want you to know I pray for you every day.” Back in 2012, when Ellen had spoken to a group of pastor’s wives, Betty would later send this encouraging word through the mail: “I will cherish this day that I had the privilege to hear you speak to the Pastor’s wives at the IFBF meeting. You did an excellent job and you are a perfect pastor’s wife for sure!” Well, there is more, but you get the idea. Many of you got your own notes of encouraging words from Betty.

There was also her walk, a walk in light and in love. And then there were her works. She was not an inactive church member! She ministered uniquely to others in her church as a key component of Christ’s building program, which He spoke of when He said: “I will build my church.” Betty did what she could to keep Christ’s building program progressing on the corner of State Avenue and Thompson Road on Indy’s southside.

She taught Sunday School and could always be counted on to work in our summer VBS outreach. I know, because I had the honor of working alongside Betty for 40 years as her pastor. She served cheerfully, conscientiously, purposefully, prayerfully, and, without doubt, devotedly in His service. Betty did not try to do things she was not equipped to do; but her many years in the retail sales world made her, without question, the go-to person to manage and operate our TRBC bookstore. Betty would go to any lengths to get her patrons the Bible or book they were searching for; and the price would be the best one could get anywhere. She would combine someone else’s order with yours until the total was $100, so that she could get free shipping. The people at Christian Book Discount knew her name and voice. She was also meticulous about keeping records and reporting sales and income, and she kept in close touch with the TRBC bookkeepers.

She had limited shelf space in her small bookstore quarters, but she made the most of every square inch, stocking a good selection of seasonal greeting cards, Bibles, and Christian books. And I would be remiss were I not to mention that she kept an abundant stash of candies, which she always shared generously with KIDS—of all ages!

In this bi-weekly blog—“You and God”—I often feature stories of missionaries, pastors, and Christian workers whose lives have significantly impacted others for the cause of Christ. I never wrote an article about Betty—she would have scolded me and would have been totally embarrassed for receiving any recognition that might have diminished His praise and glory.

But, though I never wrote a blog about Betty, Betty wrote one about Betty—with an ink that is indelibly stamped on the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She was a living epistle of faith and works, satisfied only when her Jesus got all the glory.

Thank you, Betty, “Bookstore Betty,” or “Betty B” as I would sometimes simply say. Thank you for your quiet, steady, little by little, works for His Church—which, over the years, added up to an incalculable sum of deeds well done and words wisely spoken—all in honor of our great God, to whom be “glory in the church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages—world without end, AMEN!”

*Betty passed into the presence of Jesus a little over a week ago, and her memorial service was this past Friday (May 17). I decided to share this posthumous blog about Betty—the eulogy that I delivered at her send-off service—in hopes that her life story will challenge others to live wholeheartedly for Christ. 

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, ‘Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.’” (Rev. 14:13)