by Jody Smiley
How many times have you heard someone be described as “the salt of the earth”? That phase comes from Matthew 5:13, which follows the Beatitudes. Salt was important. It added flavor to foods and was also used as a preservative. It was and is a game-changer.
For me, my “Salt of the Earth” was Joyce Kipps. I met Joyce when I became involved with the Virginia Synodical Women’s Organization (VSWO). She was president when I served my first term on our board. At first, I was a little intimidated by Joyce. She was organized and seemed unflappable, but as I got to know her, she quickly became my mentor and friend. We shared a love of the VSWO and Women of the ELCA. Joyce, in many ways, was the “salt” that was a game-changer for me.
Joyce knew the importance of leaving a legacy and how that could make an impact on those around us. She was instrumental in starting a VSWO scholarship at Roanoke College (the Lutheran college in Virginia) that would help young women in our synod attend. She also urged us to set up an investment fund with Thrivent to help supplement our conventions/gatherings or other ways to support the spiritual growth of our women.
Jody Smiley is a former Women of the ELCA board member and president of the Virginia Synodical Women’s Organization. She currently serves as their treasurer.