The greatest thing is to be found at one’s post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last…. ~C. S. Lewis
Karen Hearl was not what I expected.
Face it. Leaders who love the center stage, eyeing with suspicion any threat from the wings, are a dime a dozen. Proud, competitive spirits hidden beneath layers of insecurity are as common as lip-stick stained Starbucks cups.
But Karen was not common.
You can find her in the photo, on the left, her head higher, her smile wider than the rest. But Karen stoops, her arm, as always, drawing someone to her heart.
Meeting Karen
I knew her by reputation–as a legend, a ground breaker, earth mover, people shaker of her generation. But seven years ago, blown by the winds of chance and the Spirit, we landed in the same church, and I needed Karen’s help. We met one hot July day over grilled prawn salad and herbal iced tea, and shared our stories.
After listening for a while to her impressive pedigree, I toyed with my lemon wedge, dejected. Who was I to ask Karen to join my team? I should be following her.
I was about to launch a new ministry, with a difficult to explain, you’ll just have to experience it kind of vision. I needed leaders with a certain kind of heart to join me in creating a safe, loving, open-armed community for disconnected women–centered around Bible Study. Karen listened to my sputtering spiel, and grinned, “I will do whatever you want me to do–set up tables, make decorations, bake cookies–anything you need, I will have your back.”
And my back she had.
Having led for many years, she submitted to my leadership. Every week, she came ready with a word of encouragement, a story of God’s faithfulness, a challenge that lifted my chin above the mess of the moment. Though accustomed to life in the spotlight, Karen now turned the spotlight on everyone around her.
How rare and refreshing! An intelligent, confident, passionate, hold-nothing-back leader who openly celebrates and self-forgetfully advances the reputations of others. For too many of us, sharing the spotlight is more painful than not being in the spotlight at all.
Spotlighted leaders crowd the stage with yawning frequency. But spotlighters are rare–those who strain every muscle so as not to miss a moment of someone else’s glory. You will be delighted when you meet them, beaming behind the spotlight, and maybe you will think of Karen.
Karen Hearl (1939-2013), with her husband Alan. Adieu, dear friend.
Who has been a spotlighter in your life?
15 replies on “On The Other Side Of The Spotlight: Karen Hearl”
This was beautiful!
Ardy Nothwang is a spotlighter. I’ve known Ardy 15 years. The Lord made us friends, when I had moved to the South Bay Area, and we were landed in the same church. How delightfully refreshing is it to experience those who live full throttle in serving, not to be served. Truly, The Lord is well pleased.
May we all live “full throttle in serving!” Thanks, Ginny.
Christina and Jay,the preview phogatrophs look fantastic we can’t wait to see the full collection.You two were a joy to work with complete professionals in everyway. We had a fab time with you looking forward to that dance session!Elaine and Graeme.
YOU, Janet, were my spotlighter! Fifteen (?) years ago, you asked me to lead a Bible Study table, then write some lesson questions, then teach. You were so generous with your praise and gracious about coaching my weak areas. What a gentle guide! Now, as a the leader of 39 leaders, I often am mindful of your words and methods. Thank you.
I also appreciate this loving tribute to Karen. So glad you introduced me to her!
Wow! 39 leaders–the ripple effect of Karen’s work. Thank you for your kind words, Lily.
Janet, you were my spotlighter 5 years ago, when you asked me to work along side of you in Bible Study! Using my gifts of organization and administration to help build the Bible Study as a stand alone group within our church. You encouraged and allowed me to use my gifts as God enlarged the group of women. Thank you for seeing in me something I did not see in myself.
This tribute to Karen is beautiful!
Arlene, you have been a gift from God. Thank you!
This is beautiful Janet… discribing our dear Karen to a t! I’ve been blessed by Karen in ways that changed me forever. You too my friend have influenced me in ways I will be forever greatful! It’s women like you two that help God grow up leaders and support Gods Will in lives. Karen was God in human form, always looking for ways to help, grow and create in Women and their walk with God. I’m certain she is being used this very moment to glorify our Heavenly Father. She was happy to be behind the spotlight aswell as in the spotlight to bring someone to there fullest potential and relationship with Jesus. She will be forever missed!! Until we meet again my friend….<3
Patti, almost from day one Karen spoke of your gifts of compassion and grace. Yes, “until we meet again!”
This brought tears to my eyes as I saw Karen vividly in your beautiful words. Like attracts like, and I can deeply see why Karen was attracted to the beautiful ministry you and God built! What a blessing Karen was to me in my life, what a blessing you continue to be, as I reap the benefits of both of your gifts. There is a hole in my heart at the loss of our friend. Yet it fills each day with her words softly spoken, her amazing example of love in action and the heights to which she lifted us all. Until we meet again Karen…
Judi, it’s true–her love was shown in action. Karen loved serving under you.
Janet, thank you for crafting this beautiful tribute to Karen. Like Judi, your words brought tears to my eyes, remembering my dear friend.
Karen was definitely a spotlighter in my life. She was always on the lookout for others she could raise up and encourage. She definitely did that for me. Many of the speaking opportunities I’ve had in recent years came from her – as she used her amazing gift of networking to connect me with opportunities to minister. And as Phil and I have journeyed through the roller coaster ride of ministry, she and Alan have been constant supporters and encouragers.
I would also say that the members of our writer’s group have been spotlighters for me. Each of these amazing women have continued to give me courage to write and speak and not shrink back from the daunting task of helping usher in the Kingdom of God. It’s too big of a job for any one of us, so I thank God that I don’t have to go it alone.
Linda, your words are potent–“it’s too big a job for anyone of us.” We need each other.
Linda- how accurately and beautifully you described Karen. I knew Karen from my days at Trinity Covenant, where her husband Alan was pastor. We attended for a while, left the church and returned a few years later. During that time, Alan had retired as senior pastor and they had moved to California. I ran into Karen at a women’s ministry event.
Karen met me with enthusiasm interested in where i had been on my spiritual journey, never judging, always caring, her eyes sparkling while I spoke.
To be in her presence was like I was sitting in the chair while she washed my feet, the loving, gracious, humble leader that she was….. i was blessed to know her
Thank you for sharing that, Karen. Yes, her eyes sparkled, making every person feel like the most important in the room.