September 19, 2024
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another," Proverbs 27:17.
Dr. Gerry Samson was in our dental office last week. That might not seem like a big deal to you, but it certainly was to us.
Dr. Samson is a rock star in the orthodontic community. An orthodontist for over 40 years in Georgia, he founded “(g)nathos” in 1982 to help orthodontists hone their craft, teaching professionals already trained in metal braces better, quicker ways to move teeth. A wizard of wire bending, he even has an orthodontic plier named after him. Dr. Boyd, my boss, has been a part of (g)nathos since 2001. Dr. Samson has been his mentor for 23 years: iron sharpening iron.
Prepping for his visit, I scoured the internet for Dr. Samson’s background. When he arrived, wearing his signature eyeglasses and mad-scientist hair, I tried not to gush. I promised myself I would keep quiet. I lied.
These days, Dr. Boyd partners with Dr. Samson: Dr. B teaching dentists about Invisalign, Dr. Samson about metal braces. Together they are sharpening the iron of orthodontists all over the US.
My beloved has had mentors on his journey as a pastor: Thurmond Coleman, Paul Badgett, and Dan Garland. They have encouraged him and advised him from time to time since he surrendered to ministry in 1997.
I met Dan Garland, then KBC Evangelism Director, in 1999. He came to McVeigh Baptist Church to preach a revival. After each service, he walked next door to the parsonage to share coffee and insight. He was pouring into a new and excited pastor and pastor’s wife. He shared experiences and lessons learned as a preacher/pastor. (Some were horrific.) It was invaluable. God knit him in our hearts and lives during those days. We have never forgotten the stories he shared.
He was iron sharpening iron. Now my beloved sharpens other pastors.
I’m not an orthodontic wizard or an experienced pastor, but there are ways I can sharpen others. You can, too. If we are over a certain age, we’re full of experiences. We have more to share than we realize.
Titus 2 instructs older men to teach younger men. Paul wrote that the older women should teach younger women “what is good…to love their husbands and children.” (Have you ever needed to be reminded that you love your family?) I can do that! And also teach them to bake. A few years ago, I did a bread-themed devotion with ladies (young and old) and taught them how to make biscuits and cornbread. Now they bake bread and memories for their families.
A group I hope to “sharpen” is pastor’s wives. And young moms who sometimes need to be encouraged that they will survive. I especially want to teach them to love and serve the Lord. If I look around, opportunities may be right in front of me. Is there someone you can take under your wing and help them along their way?
Hebrews 10:24 reminds us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on…” “Spur on” sounds like sharpening iron to me.
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife and newspaper columnist. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
