Dear Dr. Rainer, Trustees, Employees, and retired LifeWay President, Dr. Jimmy Draper,
Today I will board a plane, God willing, with my dearest loves – my husband of 36 years, our two adult daughters, our son-in-law, and our two grandchildren – to head to Nashville to commemorate and celebrate God’s inconceivable kindness to us in 20 years of Bible studies with you. I will have the chance to express some of my heart to you face-to-face while I am there but I’m unsure of being able to convey all I’d like to say without crying. And what if it spun into serious tears which, while sweet and sentimental, can prove to be embarrassing and awkward in a public address? And what if, on the way home, I had to get furious with myself for not being able to say what I’d flown to Nashville to say? Thus, with your patience, this letter.
Exactly 20 years ago, my husband, Keith, made a few phone calls behind my back to find out when the very first Bible study – A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place – would be placed on a shelf at one of your stores in Houston. I was too green a new author to even ask you guys about a release date. I had no idea how the whole thing worked or, for crying out loud, if it would work at all. Keith, however, has never been one for holding back questions. He took me out to dinner without saying a single word about the Bible study then told me that he needed to run an errand on the way home. He pulled up in front of the store, opened my car door, took me by the hand, and walked me into the store. He marched me down an aisle like he knew just where he was going then stood me right in front of the ugliest cover I would ever love.
And we both cried.
As you who were around at that time know, there were never any promises from your side or expectations from ours about a second Bible study or, with the second, a third.
What began as a publishing relationship turned headlong and heart-long into a ministry partnership.
We who have worked together on the curriculum team have marveled over and over again that God would risk anything at all on such a flawed concoction of people. Early on we came to the conclusion that God either has a lot of grace or very poor taste.
His grace was not in vain. I want to boast in Christ for the caliber of people that I’ve had the privilege to labor alongside at LifeWay for 20 years. From Day 1 to this day, every single man and woman I’ve gotten to know (young, old, or middle aged, from customer care to graphic design to editorial to management and so on) has had a heart to love and serve Jesus Christ and an authentic desire to see people come to faith and be discipled in God’s Word.
Every person. Without exception. I mention it because I just don’t think that’s normal. I think that’s the Holy Spirit.
Every single time I had a conference call to run a concept for a new study past the discipleship team, it wrapped up in earnest prayer, placing it before God, asking Him to do with it what He would. Never did you enter into it lightly. Never did you pressure me to write on a particular concept. You always gave me the room to seek God for what He’d stir in my heart in the pages of Scripture for the next Bible study.
20 years is more than enough time to get cynical, to lose respect, and to shift into automatic and just shell out material that doesn’t have an ounce of the Holy Spirit on it.
Because of the unfathomable grace and sustaining power of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, I will board that plane today free of cynicism and full of respect for you. I don’t have a sick feeling in my stomach like I sold my soul to the devil or have been a part of playing people or putting on a big act.
I have had the privilege to do the one thing on earth I feel most called to do.
And I’ve had the privilege to do that one thing with you.
Thank you.
That’s what I’m writing this open letter to say.
Thank you so much for your patience with me through 20 years of growing and changing and going through all sorts of highs and lows and crises and losses and some excruciating learning experiences. Thank you for dealing with the drama. Thank you for standing with me, believing God with me, dreaming with me, serving with me, and for fighting for me. 20 years is time enough to see someone at her best and her worst. We are long past the point where we don’t really know each other. And here we are. Still together. We didn’t have to always see everything the same way for me to be so deeply thankful we’d seen it together. I would not trade a minute of it.
A dyed in the wool sanguine, God used another little element to make this thing work for 20 years. I have laughed my head off with some of you. You’ve got some men and women on your payroll that are among my favorite people on the planet. I have been to the other side of the world and back numerous times with a merry band of your employees, made enough memories for 10 lifetimes, and laughed till I cried. I have eaten pizza on the Mount of Olives with them and walked with them through a foot of sheep manure in fields outside of Bethlehem. The privilege of working with people that you just flat-out like is no small thing and it is not wasted on me.
I could write for hours and still not convey all that is stirring in my heart toward you but just this one time, I’m going to accept what my editor has tried to tell me for years: Beth, less is more.
So I will end with this and then bid us onward to the future:
Today I set this stack before our glorious and faithful God in His honor alone as a stone of remembrance. As an occasion to look back over our collective shoulders, reflect and say our God has been so gracious to us. For He alone can establish the work of human hands. May this makeshift stone of remembrance made of pages and ink serve as living proof to somebody reading today that, if He could be willing to use someone like me, He is willing to use absolutely anyone.
With so much love for all of you at LifeWay, for those recently retired, and for an unstoppable visionary in a wheelchair who now stands strong and complete in the presence of Jesus,
Beth
In 2002 with Lee and Myrna Sizemore
Jesus, You and I alone know the miracle You have accomplished. We alone know the depths from which You pulled me. Your boundless grace saved me, not just from the enemy, but from myself. The patience with which You have taught me, disciplined me, helped me, refocused me, restored me, redirected me and constantly revived me is astonishing. You just don’t give up on Your own, do You? You, Jesus, are my Prince. You are the single greatest joy of my life. Thank You for the cross.
Dear Beth,
Deep congratulations on your 20 year relationship with Lifeway. Said it before, and I’ll say it again- Thank you for your obedience in writing what the Lord has given you. LPM studies have changed my life, and my relationship with Jesus. Thank you, dear siesta!
Love, Kim
This is an awesome thank you letter. With God and LifeWay you have touched millions. God bless you and enjoy the moment in His hands.
Wow Beth! You take my breath away with how you convey your thoughts and feelings on paper. Thank you for sharing this letter. Because of your obedience to your calling from God, I fell in love with the Bible. It came alive to me 11 years ago and keeps on giving! Thank you for the sacrifices you and your family have made so that people like me would stop “playing church” and come to really know our Savior.
I’m always excited to see what God is stirring in you next!
I love you sweet sister.
I love this letter. I love your heart. And I will be forever grateful for how Jesus used your words to change me.
I remember walking with my buddy Audrey Parker (now Thomas) back in 1995, listening to her tell me about this study she was taking… How it was changing her and stirring her to know Jesus more. I was her cheerleader. Within a few months we’d move to Texas and by summer 1996, my new friends brought me to Dallas to hear this woman, Beth Moore. Little did I know that day that my heart, which already loved Jesus so much, would come to know Him better. My first study was A heart like His. The Lord knew my David-heart needed to understand the depth of my redemption. For though I sought and loved Him, I needed to know more and understand the extent to which Jesus knew me, understood me and forgave me. Because of you, dear Beth, I am a woman completely His… Following Him hard and spreading the fragrance of Him in my own little village. I love you, Beth. I’m praying for you and yours. And I am celebrating this great landmark with you. Thank you for being willing. Your, Holly
I can not praise God enough for using you to teach us about Him. However life changing it was for you, rippled out and multiplied enormously. I NEVER will forget my very first study as a broken mom of 2 at the time. I remember nursing my baby 13 years ago and doing my first study, Jesus the One and Only. Life changing. Life saving. Go is so good, I just hadn’t known till then. So I celebrate your 20 year anniversary with Lifeway with much gratefulness.
Blessings,
Joelle
Isaiah 25:1
Praise God!
Thank you Lifeway and Beth for sustaining your commitment to spreading the Word of the Lord and impacting so many, many lives. To God be the glory
Dear Beth,
Thank you for sharing this letter, your heart with us. I may never get to meet on this earth all the tireless people who work behind the scenes to make what God has given you to do possible, but I wish I could hug each and every one of them and give them my heartfelt thanks. With tears in my eyes I am thanking God for each of them now. From the person behind the camera, to the person who sweeps the floor. When God sent you and all those precious people to serve Him, God knew that my life was one that would be forever changed, and I am grateful beyond what words can express. All praise to our Glorious God.
Wow OH Wow, thank you for sharing this journey with us and the celebration ahead this day. God Bless this time and may all of you be filled with fun, joy and awe with Christ.
I was asked to help host and was introduced to you at a Baptist Church function in Austin Texas before you started this journey with Lifeway. Frankly, I knew you were a gifted speaker, but did not feel drawn to you as a teacher. WEll, Well, well when I heard you next at a women’s conference in Houston,I couldn’t believe you were the same speaker. I wanted to KNOW what in the world transpired. Same gifted teacher/speaker but your message penetrated my soul.
Beth, I KNEW something was completely NEW and authentic, there was no doubt about it. And so, YOU became one of a handful of Holy Spirit filled teachers ( as varied as the types of flowers) who God sent me to begin to “untie” the knots of my twisted life. I KNOW by observation and personal experience what these 20 years demonstrate. I continue to be impressed with the “fresh” and Holy Spirit filled words you have for us. Not sure I have ever studied with a more gifted communicator. I appreciation is a word that cannot adequately express what your ministry has brought to my life. A life you may never know on this planet, but a life altered. The healing is not complete for my sons and me personally, but a new chapter is unfolding. What a roller coaster ride- scary but oh my- Lots of love to all of you! An old girl Siesta
Oh, Beth. I cried reading that! God has been pulling on my heartstrings for a good 5 years now to start writing, and I have been terrified. So instead, I’ve drawn. Simple pictures that no one may ever see. But you’re testimony is so inspiring. I’ve never met you, but feel I could wrap my arms around you. I only recently started delving into scripture with a hunger so strong I’ve literally forgotten to eat some days. But without doubt, you’ve pushed me and encouraged me. Reading how nervous you were that first time gives me hope. Our God is a marvelous God. Thank you for staying strong and persevering. We love you, Beth!
Oh, Beth, what beautiful thanks.
I imagine many of us who follow this blog have similar stacks of your studies. I keep all of mine together and close.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
With tears down my cheeks, thank you Beth for pursuing Christ with every ounce of heart, soul, mind and strength you do! My life forever changed when I cracked open a workbook with “Jesus the One and Only” on the cover. I had no idea what I was doing or who He really was.
Enjoy your sweet time with your favorite people in TN and I’ll be thanking God for you and these people, too. Enjoy the time together! Be blessed always. He really is worth everything.
So much love and gratitude,
Fran
Dear Beth,
What a beautiful letter! Thank you for your obedience to God through these 20 years. Your studies have touched countless lives, mine included. Loved the picture of your “stone of remembrance”! “Great is Thy Faithfulness”!!
How funny to look at your picture of studies and see almost a replica in my bookshelf. I’m thankful I still have a four more to complete. When I look at these books, I see tears, joy, quiet time in my favorite prayer chair, savored time on my knees and with my nose in the carpet, and most of all, I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit…God… And our one and only Christ. I have tears streaming just thinking about all he has done in my life. Beth Moore…please know you are a gift to me. You were and are His divine instrument that reaches a woman’s heart to bring us closer to each other and to Christ. Your studies brought me close to God and Christ when I needed Him most and for that I will be forever grateful. I truly love you treasured and sweet siesta!
And thank you, Beth for sharing these studies with us! I have done this “stack” (some more than once!) growing in love for Jesus and those around Him. Your writing has drawn me in and kept me close, given me the desire to keeping digging, staying in His Word. Thank you, Keith, Amanda, Curtis, Jackson, Annabeth and Melissa for all the love and support you’ve given your precious Beth on this 20 year journey. I miss the Tuesday night studies at FBC, but what God has done in the move to BCF with your family is such a blessing to Houston. Thank you for following His lead! Congratulations to all of you and anticipating what’s to come.
Beth,
My bookshelf has all those titles minus 2, one being your latest study. You have been a Biblical mentor to me and many others. I am grateful. Blessings!
Lisa from MO.
Dear Beth,
And most of us can look at that stack and remember our first study and our last study what we were going through when we did them. Yes they do a great job of publishing. You crazy blonde do a great job of teaching and bringing these concepts across to us so we can experience the joy of being in the Word. However, we have to give all the credit to the Lord for giving giftedness to us. Some to teach, some to serve in other capacities so we give Him all thanks and honor!
Bless you dear! You may be a blonde but always you say something profound! Love ya!
Betty
Dear Beth,
I am so grateful for you, and for Lifeway. These studies have been life-changing for me.
Richest blessings to you and yours…
Love,
Adrienne
Echoing what Melanie, aka Big Mama, said. Even for those of us who don’t know you personally-we are incredibly grateful! Congratulations!
I had finished a few Bible studies in my 20’s and then a dear friend (and later a group) launched into your fruit of the spirit study.That was nearly 13 years ago. We as a group are so grateful for your journey. We are better women, wives and mom’s for it. I get to lead a young woman down the road of her very first study tonight. I’m so grateful God is equipping you all to help teach us. His word will not return void!
Happy 20th Beth And team!
I should add the living beyond yourself study was my first!
Thank you Beth and Lifeway. I am forever changed because you followed your calling. Praise to our amazing God and King.
I’m so glad you started that relationship so long ago. Because through what that has accomplished (many rich Bible studies), I have learned so much. May God continue to richly bless you all and also those who have learned and will learn through these studies as I have.
This is so lovely, Beth. These studies have reached across continents and across denominations. What better tribute to those called to make disciples of all nations. God bless you. We are so very grateful for your influence in our lives. So much love from all your sisters here.
Beth, I am bawlin right now. I read your post and looked at the stack of books that means so much to me. I can only imagine how you feel when you look at them. I’ve been through some extremely rough patches in life and God comforted me, taught me, loved me through those seasons most of the time through doing these studies.
I am thrilled that God has taught me so much about the history of His People, about Jesus, Daniel, Esther, David. I am most thrilled, though, that I feel so much closer to Him.
Thank you so very much for all you’ve studied and written and taught.
I am a life changed.
I also have to tell you that my first-born will be at your celebration tomorrow. Oh, how I wish you could meet her. You would love her. She loves you too!
I’m thrilled that tomorrow is a wonderful celebration.
I have prayed for you and your family almost daily for years. I feel like I’m a part of the family. My daughter, Hayley, knows I just love you so much. We have a lot of laughter and humor like your family. She knew I would be jealous, but I thought she was joking…she told me over the weekend, “I’m going to see Beth Moore next week.” I said “Really….” So, I look on this website and I mentioned that you don’t have any upcoming events. She said – no, this is a special celebration that I’m invited to. My sweet daughter is going with her best girlfriend whose husband is a young pastor. Beth, I am beside myself excited that my firstborn gets to be there tomorrow – the next generation. Thrills me to no end! We are both blessed to see our children walking in The Truth, aren’t we?
I pray you have a wonderful time while you’re here.
May God richly bless you and your whole family.
Love you a lot,
~Dana
Beth –
One of my greatest joys as president of LifeWay is knowing you and watching the incredible impact you and your ministry have on millions. You are expressing your gratitude to LifeWay, but we owe you the gratitude. You are an incredible example of godliness, biblical faithfulness, and family commitment. I so look forward to seeing all of your family in Nashville shortly.
Thank you, Beth Moore, for being the woman of God that you are. That you for serving our Lord in all that you do. I am humbled to be but a small part of your ministry and life. To God be the glory!
Beth,
Congratulations on so many wonderful years for writing and giving! You have been such a positive influence in my life and have helped me stay connected with so many women of our church!
Your stack of books look like my bookshelf. I have been so blessed to be able to follow your work through these years.
Congratulations and Thank you,
Melinda Fowler
Beth…thank you for your obedience and labor of love as you have served us over all these years. You have added to the Kingdom and put His glory on display!
With every blessing,
Lynne
I was a lucky man to have known that man in the wheel chair and as I sat and read tears came to my eyes. He was a man with a misson and he always had a open door to anyone, anytime. I thank the lord for allowing me to know him and is family. I love you LEE SIZEMORE and keep the door open…………
Beautiful. Those 20 years have made an impact far beyond what you and even we could ever know. Thank you for you humble hear to serve our Lord and serve us. I would not be the woman I am today without you and the people at Lifeway.
Thank you sweet Beth for sharing this letter. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you. My life has changed in such an amazing way because of your studies. I know your studies have changed many lives. I have enjoyed each one though some have been painful to work through. I love the Lord with all my heart and it is because He worked through your studies. Praise His Holy Name.
Thank you dear Beth. You are very dear to my heart!
Beth and Lifeway – Thank You
I am a different one due to my very first Bible Study James
Congratulations, and thank you for sharing this with us!
Dearest Beth,
This is why we love you so much … you have taught me and others to love your Jesus better and with an honest heart like no other! Great is your faithfulness, God, and thank you for showering it on us through this LifeWay team all these years! May Jesus’ kingdom continue to come through them …
Congratulations on 20 years of ‘well done’! I hope you thoroughly enjoy the celebration! May it be just a taste of the reward you will receive in heaven 🙂
Congratulations, Beth Moore and Lifeway, for twenty years of answering God’s call. Looking forward to another twenty!
Ps: next time you go to the Holy Land, Beth, let me know. I’d be happy to carry your bags to get to go along!
Beth, you have been such a blessing to me through the trials of life. Losing my daughter and escaping from an abusive marriage. You are such an inspiration!
To say thank you is so inadequate…but that’s all I have. Thank you for allowing God to use you, and in such a mighty way! Through you, He has touched my heart, spoken to my heart and soul, and changed me like I never thought I could be changed. I have done several of your studies and am so very grateful for your dedication. Each study was fresh and taught not only from the scriptures, but from your heart. Thank you, Beth, for your love of the scriptures, your love for God and your love for people. You have touched my life and I am forever grateful! Congratulations!
Beth,
My name is Chris Martin and I work with Ed Stetzer at LifeWay. I had the pleasure of meeting and having dinner with you and Melissa when you were here for an event with Ed in the fall of 2013. My wife Susie and I are both so thankful for you and your ministry through the written and spoken word.
Thank you for so faithfully stewarding the gifts God has given you and encouraging others to do the same. Can’t wait to see you in Nashville tomorrow.
In Christ,
Chris Martin
Beth,
Thankful to the Lord for your heart for ministry and your partnership with LifeWay. Here’s to another 20 years!
Dane Hays
General Manager
LifeWay Campus Store, Southern Seminary
The joy and privilege have been all ours. Your obedience has impacted countless lives to the glory of God!!
Beth,
We couldn’t be more appreciative of you, your faithfulness, and the integrity with which you carry yourself behind the scenes. No one, but your LifeWay family, will ever see how you honor God in the way you handle the small things. You are a model of what we hope our ministry partners will be. We can’t wait to have you join us in Nashville this week. Travel safely and, most of all, thank YOU!
Blessings,
Devin Maddox
Christian Living and Leadership Publisher, B&H Publishing Group
Thank you Jesus for moving Beth and LifeWay to bring these teachings to this generation and generations to come to know YOU Jesus…. You are Mighty… You are Glorious…
Praising Jesus for all…
Congratulations on 20 years! You are a wonderful woman of God and a blessing to so many. May God continue to work in you and through you.
Congratulations on 20 years!! You are exceptional! Thanks for teaching us!!
Beth,
I am an employee at LifeWay and I’ve been here for almost 25 years. It has been a joy and privilege to work on your B&H titles and see how your projects have ministered to so many over the years. I have also enjoyed and learned so much thru completing your Bible study material. You are a true woman of God and I learn something new every time I read something you have written or listen to you speak!
Congrats on 20 years! Looking forward to the celebration!
Dear Beth,
Words cannot express how honored I feel to have been with you during several of the LPL and Downpour events. God always blessed me with His words through you. I have never met a woman so humble and yet so anointed by the hand of God. You are an example to women and speakers everywhere. Thank you for being a faithful servant.
Much Love In Christ,
Marsha
Beth, thank you for letting us come along for the journey! You have touched so many employees’ lives with your work through LifeWay. And I, for one, am changed through your studies and through the simple act of talking with customers at LifeWay about how much your work has influenced them. Thank you for offering your heart and your passion for His glory!
Beth,
I have worked at LifeWay for less than a year, but have noticed the same incredible hearts for Jesus in my co-workers! Your ministry has been a huge encouragement in my wife’s life, and she is a huge encouragement in mine! Thank you for allowing God to use you for His glory! We are so grateful for your work in service of His people!
Congratulations!
I work in Customer Service at LifeWay and it has been my joy to share your studies with the folks that call in. I love hearing the stories of how you helped them fall in love with Jesus and His Word. Words cannot begin to tell you how you have impacted my life personally. I learned discipleship from you. The only difference between your stack of books and mine is that mine have duplicates and even triplicates of different studies where I couldn’t stop at just taking the class, I had to go on to teach them again and again!!
My son, who is 12 now, remembers you and how you came into our home week after week on the tv as he played and I studied. So much Truth of God’s Word made it from your lips to his ears and he still tells me how much he loves “Mama Beth” because you have been my Bible teacher and his! Thank you for sharing your life and your passion for Him with all of us. I anticipate at least 20 more years!!