I can’t remember who came up with this word, but somewhere along the way Travis Cottrell and any other (generally invisible) male blog readers acquired the name “miesta.” It is, of course, the male answer to “siesta.”
I want you all to know about a very special miesta who was used by God to bring Christian women all over this nation and even across the world together for Bible study. His name is Lee Sizemore and, to say it simply, he was the visionary and the video producer for the first 10 Bible study series my mom got to film. Had health concerns not necessitated early retirement, he would have also produced the three that followed. From A Woman’s Heart to The Patriarchs(ten years later, and dedicated to him), Lee worked tirelessly to produce discipleship materials for women like us. He also produced video-driven Bible studies for many other teachers, among them Anne Graham Lotz, Jennifer Rothschild, and Angela Thomas. I’m sure many of them felt about Lee as Mom did. She considered him one of the dearest friends she’d ever had and one of the most significant co-laborers God, in His measureless grace, had ever sent her way.
When I was sixteen, Lee hired me to be a production assistant for the To Live is Christ series. I enjoyed getting to work behind the scenes with his team so much. Lee was always there with something encouraging or amusing to say. Throughout the years it was such a joy when the LifeWay team would come to Houston or when I had the chance to be on another film set. They were a very special group of people with an exceptional, wonderful leader.
After an almost three-year battle with severe health problems, our brother Lee Sizemore went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, March 22, 2008. The next morning, as we all celebrated the Risen Christ in our man-made church sanctuaries, Lee got to see the resurrected Lamb of God with His own eyes and worship in His visible, glorious presence. Though tears fall from my eyes even now, it blesses me to know that our dear friend had this privilege.
Lee leaves behind an adoring, faithful bride of nearly 40 years named Myrna, two sons, two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and a slew of friends and co-workers who all loved him very much. His absence will leave a tremendous void in their lives. Myrna’s birthday is this Wednesday and her precious husband’s funeral will be held on Thursday. I know many of you have watched the Bible study videos and will want to cover Myrna and her family in prayer during this difficult week. Thank you in advance. Myrna is a siesta, so if anyone wants to share a word of love, encouragement, or thanks, we will make sure she gets to see it.
*Lee is the one next to my mom in each of these pictures.
The Patriarchs
Living Beyond Yourself 
Breaking Free
Dear Mrs. Sizemore,
Please know that I am praying for you and your family at this very difficult time. Our siestas have said some wonderful and comforting things and I agree with every one of them.
I am so sorry, but thank you for your ministry to the body of Christ and God bless you.
JanetL in NC
Myrna, family and extended family, You are in our prayers. God Bless you all. CINDY in High Point, NC
Dear Myrna,
My prayers and deepest sympathy are extended to you, your family and all of those who deeply loved you husband. May I personally thank you for the way he touched my life through what he brought to Women’s Bible Study all over the world. And thank you for the part that you had in his ministry as his ministry partner and wife. May the God of all comfort, who is our Comfort blanket you during this season of grief. And may you been keenly aware of His Presence each and every step of your new journey. May He be praised for a life well lived.
Dearest Beth, I am praying for you and all your ministry partners. Even though we all know “that precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of one of His saints”, separation from those we love hurts like the dickens! I will see you in Jacksonville this weekend, cause I’m gonna look you up and hug your neck! Praying that God will carry you and anoint you with fresh oil of the Holy Spirt to deliver His message for the masses of women that will be there. I know how hard it will be to keep going though you just want to sit a while and take in the happenings of the last week. You are loved girlfriend. Patti
Blessings and comfort to the entire Sizemore family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My our risen Lord and Savior put His loving arms around you and comfort you with his peace and love.
(((HUGS)))
Lisa
Myrna,
I will be praying that His peace which transcends ALL understanding, will wrap you up like a warm blanket.
Myrna,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for your generosity in serving our Lord as you shared Lee and his talents with all of us. Many lives have been changed because of the ministry you two shared. May God’s presence be your constant companion in the days ahead. May His peace, love, and comfort surround you and carry you and your loved ones.
Cristie
Myrna is such a blessing to this blogger world. She has touched my life with her faith and the wonderful stories of her family. I got hooked on her blog when she talked about not being the old grammy. She is a true friend of the heart.
I know it will be a great joy to meet this man someday when we sit together at the feet of our Lord.
Thanks Beth for sharing these kind thoughts with each of us.
Praying for you today, Myrna. May Christ bless you and keep you today in your loss and grief. Love, your siesta in Chicago
Dear Myrna and family,
I remember reading Beth’s message in the front of The Patriarchs and thinking at the time how my life has been touched over the years by Lee, without me even knowing him.
May God carry you through this time and bless you with His presence both today (your birthday), tomorrow, and every day that follows.
With love and a big hug from Kenya,
Adele
Myrna, I so appreciate your husbands work behind the scenes for us Siestas in Beth’s Bible Studies. I pray and know that our God will be your companion, comforter, and strength during this time of loss in your life. How our God loves you. He will meet your every need and be your advisor when you need one.
Georgia in MI
Myrna,
Just another note to let you know I’m still praying for your comfort, especially today on your birthday. And tomorrow, the day of Lee’s funeral, I will pray for an extra helping of grace. For His grace is sufficient, you know. 🙂 Rest in that and keep a smile on your face for you have been blessed. The story ends well.
Love, Lisa
Even though I didn’t know Lee, I can see the reflection of Christ on his face. He has such a kind countenance. I am praying for you, Myrna, today on your birthday. May you feel the loving arms of Jesus comfort you today and all the rest of your days.
There are no words that can heal a broken heart. But some may offer a little comfort.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
My brother was a quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair from the age of 15 to 37, he went to be with the Lord 1 1/2 years ago. Like your beloved Lee, they are no longer burdened and are free again.
God Bless You!
Dear Mrs. Sizemore,
Tears fall as I almost missed this opportunity…you are a “far” friend and I am honored to pray for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your beloved with us all.
Myrna,
May the Lord give you peace and comfort in the knowledge that your beloved husband is enjoying His presence right now. Our family will lift your family up to the Almighty God as you adjust to life on earth without your precious Lee. Blessings always,
Larae
Dear Myrna and family,
May God be your joy, strength, and comfort in the loss your beloved Lee. The countless lives he has touched will only be known when we all stand together in glory!!! I’m sure your life together was beautiful and the sorrow you now feel is great. Thanks be to Jesus that we do not grieve as those without hope.
Much love and many prayers for the hard days ahead. REST in Jesus alone.
your sister in Christ,
Linda
To Myrna and family,
Thank you so much for sharing your husband and his talents to bless so many of us. He must have been a real visionary. God bless you with strength and comfort and grace in these days. Many prayers are with you.
We’re still praying, especially today. May He cover you with His feathers and keep you in the shadow of His wings. Psalm 91
Myrna,
I am just logging on for the first time this week and wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. You will be covered in prayer this week and for months to come by all of these siestas!
I pray on this first birthday without your precious other half, that God’s grace, love, peace and comfort abound.
Thank you for sharing Lee with us for so many years. Just think of all of the lives he will continue to touch as the videos are watched by brand new viewers.
May God Fill you up!
Paige
Praying!
Dearest Family and Friends of Mr. Sizemore,
Lee will lay many crowns at the feet of the One he served here on earth.
He was so instrumental in touching many lives with his tireless efforts of bringing thousands of women the word of God through the productions of the bible studies. I was one of those women…..thank you for sharing him with us.
It is my honor and privledge to pray for you during these very difficult days.
May the God of all comfort give you peace and may you feel the strong presence of His enduring love.
Royana
To quote Beth in her earlier post: “Death never gets the last word. Not even the death of relationship…God cannot – will not – leave well enough alone. His business is life and life at its liveliest. Loveliest.”
Dear Mrs. Sizemore,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May God bless you with His comfort and peace that passes our very ability to understand it. I have lost my mother and brother within the last 3 years, but not my spouse, so I would never assume to know how you feel, but take hope in knowing that God will continue to use you and your husband’s work. Thank you for sharing him and supporting him in giving Jesus to so many desperate souls like my own.
God loves you so very much and as Christ awaits His bride, your precious Lee now awaits His. While I pray peace and comfort for you, I will also pray that God will be glorified in your loss just as He has been by Lee’s life and that He will be glorified by your continued love and devotion.
In Christ’s Love – Cindy
Dearest Siesta Sizemore,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. I am so thankful for the ministry your husband gave. My life has been changed by his vision and obedience to God.
I am praying the peace that passes all understanding for you and your family during these difficult days. May you find comfort in the Comforter.
Pam
Myrna,
I am praying that God will comfort your family in a way that only He can. May His love and peace surround you.
My heart goes out to all of you in this loss. I think that I will probably pray for the grandchildren the most. I remember when I lost my grandmama, it was not a pleasant time for me. So, please let the grands know that someone in Alabama is praying over them. Blessings, Vicki
Myrna,
Please accept my heart felt sympathy for your loss. I thank God for your husband and his ministry. I would not have known who Beth Moore was, were it not for the video Bible Studies. I would not have grown to love the Lord as much as I do – He is everything to me! I would not have been moved to service if it had not been for your dear husband producing video Bible Studies. It was through A Woman’s Heart God’s Dwelling Place, that I sensed God calling me to bring these Bible Studies to my church. I had been in church all my life – saved and satisfied described me to a tee. But, God moved in my life and the avenue He used was a Bible Study by Beth Moore, produced by Lee Sizemore. I want you to know, that I never want to go back to my comfortable pew – I want to be out there living on the edge for Jesus – doing His will and the work He has for me to do. The ministry of your husband has forever changed my life. My prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you and give you peace.
Praying for you,
Linda Mesibov
Beth and Living Proof Staff,
My prayers are with you as you grieve. May God comfort you all and give you peace. Beth my prayers are with you as your minister to the women in Jacksonville, Florida this weekend.
God Bless you all!
Linda
Hello Myrna
Your husband’s work has been crucial in the Lord’s work in my life. I want to thank you for being all that you have been to him so that he could be all that he was for Christ. I invite our Lord to complete his promises in your life, especially the one in Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land nd will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
May God use this time of your life to bring you so close to Him that the eyes of your heart can feel His smile upon you and His hands holding you up.
Jennifer
Dear Beth, Amanda, and Siestas,
I am overwhelmed! Thank you so much for the loving post about my precious husband Lee!
Beth and Amanda,
Your words—here and at the service on Thursday—have been an incredible blessing to our family. The wonderful Christian friendship that Beth and Lee shared touches our whole family and gives us much comfort. What gracious support you have been to all of us! I will be writing some more about that at Cherish . . . the Word! soon.
Siestas,
You have given amazing encouragement to our family. Your words have touched many lives. Friends keep telling us to “be sure to go to Beth’s blog!” We have read and reread your remarks full of love, hope, rejoicing, and compassion. In fact, we kept two laptops open at the kitchen table for hours on end so everyone could have their turn at reading! Thank you for taking the time to leave those precious comments.
It is simply amazing to know that people all over the world—many we don’t know in real life—are praying for our family as we grieve the passing of our beloved husband, father, and Poppy. We appreciate your continued prayers as we find our way through this time of grief . We miss Lee terribly. We rejoice that he is with Jesus!
Thank you,
Myrna
Romans 5:1-5
Psalm 84:5-7
O Heavenly Father, We ask you to wrap Your Loving Arms around Myrna and her family and friends in the homegoing of her husband, Lee. You are close to the brokenhearted and You save those who are crushed in spirit. You are surely so close to them in this time. You are our Shepherd, we lack nothing. You make us lie down in green pastures, You lead us beside the still waters. You restore our souls. You lead us in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for You are with us. You are Emmanuel, God with us. Your rod and Your Staff, your Holy Spirit and Your Word, they comfort us. You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. You anoint our heads with oil, overflowing with blessings. Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Myrna – – –
What a wonderful legacy your husband left on this earth when he went to be with Jesus. I know what a difference the Beth Moore studies have meant in my spiritual growth. I am just finishing LIVING BEYOND YOURSELF for the second time because I knew I needed it! Your loss is profound but your heart probably cherishes how much Lee did to help us all grow closer to our Lord. The results of his ministry are exponential.
Lynda
My Friend Beth,
This past weekend when you spoke about Lee my heart went out to you. You mentioned how God places people in our lives. Lee talked to you about reaching out to women. You were like: HUH, I don’t get it… God was placing a piece of the puzzle you didn’t realize you were missing. I am a Newly Wed to a wonderful Christian man. For years I was involved in an abusive marriage.. I often felt like someone I loved dearly had just died. My heart was broken over and over again. I had two young boys who would see me cry and they said, “Mommy, I would understand if you left Daddy.” I tried and tired, until I had nothing more to give… My boys are teenagers now. God has blessed me. Guess what… God has given me a piece of his puzzle because now I am in the process of becoming a MISSIONARY!!!! MEEEE!!! It was an extremely difficult decision for me so I have left it up to our God… because I will have to leave behind my teenage boys. Amazing enough… God always know what we need… My Boys have told me they want me to do this. AMEN !!!!!!!!!! God only gives us what we can handle… He has formed a strong girl here!!!
May God keep working through you…Joleen Springer of Bradenton FL
Sorry, once I get goin’ I don’t shut up!!!!!!
I didn’t know Lee had passed away. I never worked right with him, but, after almost 10 years at Lifeway, Lee’s was one of those faces I saw every single day. I rode in the elevator many times with him, reached something in the cafeteria for him…always had a smile and a sweet spirit about him.
Dear Myrna, I worked in the PSM Dept at Lifeway for 2 yrs…and always heard stories of Lee and his talent. We were always praying for your family, thru sickness, loss of family members and now for Lee’s homegoing. Although Ipersonally never met him, I knew he was a gentle man who stood tall in God’s word. That is an honor for his family. I am so sorry for your loss but rejoice w/you that Lee is no longer sufering. Knowing Lee as you did, you know he is forever smiling (as he did in this world) b/c he is with his Lord.
Dear Beth, I also know of the loss you must feel over Lee’s homegoing. I will pray for you also thru this time. While working in the Publishing Services Multimedia Dept at Lifeway, I heard many stories of you and Lee. Funny stories! But also while working with these fine people, I know personally of Lee’s integrity and love for God. I am glad that I was apart of a great group of individuals who’s goal is always to equip others in the Word of our Lord and Savior.
Joy, Debi Ogle (currently in Georgia)
Amanda-
In the first photo, is that precious red-head our Beloved Stephanie Wright? Seeing that face brings tears to my eyes, as thoughts of her often do. Stephanie’s Mom and my Dad were on staff at FBC Baton Rouge many years ago. We met up again when she asked me to do breakout sessions for the “All Things His” conferences. I am SO thankful the Lord allowed our paths to cross for a few more years before she had to go home. What an incredible and fun-loving, endearing woman…..