Scarlette Jasper
CBF field personnel, Kentucky and Tennessee
As I think about the spiritual guides that I have been blessed with in my life, the most spiritual person I have ever known was my mother-in-love, Janet Jasper. As a child, we moved a lot. I did not have a strong family or spiritual foundation. I attended various types of churches throughout my childhood as we traveled throughout the country. We worshiped with Baptists of all types, Methodists, Lutherans, those of the Apostolic Faith, Pentecostals, etc. At other times, we did not attend church at all.
After visiting Kentucky to care for my siblings after my mother had cancer surgery, I met my future husband, Brian. I not only fell in love with him, but also with his mother. Janet was the most beautiful person, inside and out. She truly lived out her faith. She was involved in her home church for more than 45 years, teaching Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and participating in other ministries of the church. More importantly, she lived out her faith at home.
She was a Christian mother and homemaker and the spiritual leader of the family. I can’t tell you how many Bibles she had worn out through reading and studying the Word. Janet had a spiritual practice of writing down important scriptures and journaling prayer requests and praises on index cards. Often as part of this spiritual practice she would tear up these cards and burn them as an offering to the Lord on her little grill outside. Her morning Bible study and prayer time were conducted at her kitchen table.
This was her “prayer room.” She suffered from chronic back pain and had to apply heat on her back every morning to be able to move throughout the day; this was done while sitting at the table with her Bible and coffee. Janet modeled spirituality in all aspects of her life; her life itself was a spiritual practice. She was loving, kind, humble, generous, compassionate and non-judgmental. There is no end to the fruits of the Spirit that describe this saint.
Janet has gone home to be with the Lord; but it was not before impacting my life as well as the lives of her children, grandchildren and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Janet was my “mom” and mentor and her presence mattered in my life for over 35 years and impacted me tremendously. I strive to be like “Gran” in my personal life as well as in ministry. Her life had ups and downs like all our lives. She always modeled her faith and praised God and sought wisdom through prayer no matter the circumstances, including her last days with us. I was humbled and blessed to be with her during those days. I hope that when my time comes to join the Lord, I can keep my sense of humor and especially my faith as she did. She is loved and missed daily.
Pray...Give...Go.