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God promises to give us wisdom when we ask. But sometimes He delivers that wisdom in a package we aren’t expecting. And, if we aren’t careful, we’ll miss it.
A Foundation of Faith—and a Hunger for More
Though I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, I did grow up in church. Thanks to my grandmother, my sister and I were there every Sunday. For that, I’m deeply grateful. It gave me an early introduction to who God is—a foundation that would later become essential when I chose to follow Jesus for myself.
That choice came during my final year of college. I was in my twenties when I finally gave my life fully to Christ. From that moment on, I began to seek Him with everything I had. I was hungry for truth.
God graciously placed people in my path during that season. One of them was my pastor. He was a wise and patient man. He became more of a spiritual father to me than just a preacher behind a pulpit. He taught me the importance of prayer, listening to the Holy Spirit, and the pursuit of wisdom.
Meeting Sister Beatrice
One day, my pastor invited a missionary friend to visit our church. Her name was Sister Beatrice Stansky, and she was in her early eighties when I met her. A fireball of faith and full of life, Sister Stansky was still traveling the world, preaching the gospel, and planning her next trip—to Egypt, of all places.
Honestly, I wasn’t excited to meet her.
You see, Sister Stansky was from a very strict denomination. She didn’t wear pants, makeup, or jewelry—something that immediately triggered the memory of my mother’s painful experience growing up in a legalistic church. That kind of outward-focused Christianity had left a sour taste in her mouth, and by extension, in mine. I didn’t want anything to do with it.
So when my pastor asked me to spend a day driving Sister Stansky around, I hesitated. But out of respect for him, I said yes.
What I didn’t know was that God had lessons of wisdom He wanted to share with me through this woman I had nearly dismissed.
Pure Heart, Deep Wisdom
My pastor told me something that stuck with me: “Audrey, her beliefs might be different from yours, but her heart is pure.”
At the time, I didn’t fully understand what he meant. But I would soon.
From the moment we began spending time together, it was clear—this woman knew Jesus. Not just in theory or theology, but intimately. Personally. When she prayed, it was as though she was having a quiet conversation with her dearest friend. And that stirred something in me.
At that point in my life, I was so hungry for the Lord. I wanted to know Him, really know Him—not just follow rules or go through the motions. Watching her pray and listening to her talk about her walk with Jesus awakened something deep in my spirit.
She wasn’t judgmental. She didn’t make me feel small. In fact, she carried herself with such kindness, grace, and humility that I couldn’t help but be drawn in.
I realized: This is what it looks like to walk closely with God.
Wisdom Wrapped in Simplicity
Over the next few days, Sister Stansky poured out wisdom that has remained with me ever since. Here are three things I learned from her:
1. Wisdom doesn’t always come in the package you expect
Sister Stansky didn’t look the part. If you passed her in Walmart, you might not have given her a second glance. But the anointing of God rested on her life. When she stood behind a pulpit, the timid woman with a cane transformed into a bold messenger of truth. She told me, “When I get up to speak, the Lord gives me power. It’s not me—it’s Him.”
She reminded me that God gives grace for the calling. Whatever He asks of you, He will empower you to do it. It’s not about your ability—it’s about His.
2. You always need a goal
Though she was in her 80s, Sister Stansky was planning her next trip—not just to Egypt, but to Israel and then Hawaii. She had places to go, people to minister to, and souls to encourage. She told me, “You have to always have a goal. A goal gives you something to wake up for. When things get hard, a goal pulls you forward.”
She wasn’t slowing down. She had purpose. And her purpose gave her energy and focus.
3. Obedience matters more than comfort
One day I called her and asked how she was doing. She said, “I’m coming out of the belly of the whale.” I had no idea what she meant! She explained, “God asked me to do something, and I didn’t want to. So I ignored Him. But the relationship stops when obedience stops. God won’t give you the next assignment until you do the last one.”
Obedience isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Delayed obedience is disobedience.
What If I Had Missed It?
Looking back, I wonder what I would have missed had I written her off. What if I had refused to spend that day with her because she didn’t fit my idea of what a Christian woman should look like?
We miss so much when we judge people by outward appearances. There are men and women all around us—maybe even in different denominations or generations—who are full of the wisdom of God. But we have to humble ourselves to receive from them.
It reminds me of 1 Samuel 16:7:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Let’s be women who look at the heart.
A Closing Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for the gift of wisdom—and for the surprising ways You deliver it. Help me to see beyond outward appearances and to receive what You want to teach me through unexpected people. Forgive me for any judgment or pride that has kept me from learning. Make my heart humble and open. Teach me to walk closely with You and to be willing to grow in every season.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
Sister Beatrice Stansky passed away at the age of 94—but her legacy of faith, boldness, and wisdom lives on in those she poured into. I’m one of them. And I pray that this story encourages you to listen closely, look beyond the surface, and always stay open to what God wants to teach you.
He’s always speaking. Let’s be ready to hear.
© Audrey McCracken Creatives LLC, 2025
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