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And
Her
Name
W as
Noah's
Wife
The Life of an
Evangelist's Wife
by Dana Grohman
 Noah
had a wife? I supposed someone had to care for the children and put dinner on
the table for Noah after a long day of ark building and preaching! Nonetheless,
before this book, she never really crossed my mind. What was her name? Doesn’t
it seem a bit unfair that as famous as he turned out to be, Noah’s wife
wasn’t even mentioned by name? It’s interesting to me that Dana Grohman
chose to use such an obscure character in the Bible as a parallel to modern day
minister’s wives. What a contrast to the modern day “his and hers”
pastoral titles that are so freely pronounced. “Sister Noah” simply stood in
the shadow of her husband, following his lead, supporting his dreams and working
beside him to fulfill their calling. Yes, I submit to you, that although God
spoke directly to Noah, she, being joined to him by marriage became accountable
to the call as well. (Genesis
2:24
“...and
they will become one flesh”).
Many
times there can be a misconception that being a minister’s wife is paramount
to celebrity. This might be the case for a few televangelists or for those who
seek public acclaim; however, it is not prototypical. Perhaps the idealization
of the role of the minister’s wife as “the Perfect Job” in the minds of
others is fostered by a lack of insight and personal experience. While the job
does have its perks, it’s certainly not for the weak or for the prima donna.
Dana is onto something here. If we look closely, we can glean many valuable
lessons in humility and servitude simply by studying this matriarch figure.
If
you are a minister’s wife or desire to be, allow me to take a moment and draw
your attention to some startling statistics reported by the Time Magazine in
March 2007: “Eight in 10 pastors' wives say they feel unappreciated or
unaccepted by their husbands' congregations, according to surveys by the Global
Pastors Wives Network (GPWN); the same number wish their husbands would choose
another profession.” Wives' issues" is the No. 1 reason pastors leave
their ministries. The divorce rate among ministers and their wives is 50%, no
better than that of the general public.”
Be
fully aware that even though your name may never be recorded in the annals of
history and you might not receive the “Minister’s Wife of the Year” award,
you are one powerful woman. You have the power to make or break your husband’s
ministry. Keeping
your perspective is the key. The
truth is, it is an honor to be chosen to be the helpmate of a man of God. The
King of Glory, our Creator and our Redeemer, has confidence in YOU to help bring
His calling and purpose into fruition.
It
seems that, outside of the Bible, there is no instruction manual on how to
survive life in the ministry. However, the experiences of many powerful women of
God have shown that it is ideal that you become equipped with the following: a
childlike faith, the power of the Holy Ghost, a willingness to learn, lots of
patience, nerves of steel, and a good sense of humor!
Dana
Grohman has opened up a window into the adventure that is their life on the
road. As you peer through this window, you will be relaxed by her unassuming,
candid style and you will be refreshed by her determined outlook and pure love
for God and this Apostolic Truth.
Dana’s
slapstick humor and revealing reflections of their experiences while pursuing
their passion are inspirational and comical! Although she takes special care not
to mention names, beware! You just might see yourself in this book somewhere
between the lines!
Before
reading further, I adjure you to set aside your preconceived ideas about what
the life of a ministers’ wife is like on the road in full time ministry. Get a
cup of coffee, relax and take a glimpse inside the not so glamorous life that
accompanies ministry at its finest. Some stories you will find quite
unbelievable and entirely hilarious, however, I would venture to say that most
of the episodes recounted in this book would never happen again to any one
individual! At least one can hope not!
Dana’s
life is a beautiful testimony of faith, love and devotion. Her love and devotion
to her husband, Steve, and her son, Paul, are evident in every way.
If you know them at all, you have discovered that the Grohman’s are not
a one man show. They are a team and God is their captain.
I
count it as a high honor to have contributed to this book. My
husband Rob and I, along with our church, The Pentecostals of Katy, believe
strongly in the ministry of educating modern day believers and non-believers
alike about what Bro. Grohman calls “The Issue”! Our God created the heaven
and the earth!
One
final note to every fellow minister’s wife, and those still wrestling with the
call: God takes care of His own. As
Dana beautifully illustrates, we must surrender ourselves completely to the
calling with no hope of our own glory. It is only then that we will attain true
fulfillment and the glory that really matters.
Remember, the very same God that spins things into orbit has called YOU.
He knows the stars by name, He knows your name and, yes, He even knows Noah’s
wife by name. It is recorded where it really matters. I challenge you to let
this thought keep you humbled and motivated. Let this be enough.
-Shara
McKee, Pastor’s Wife, The Pentecostals of Katy
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