Encouragement

Worth Far More than Rubies: Marlene Nikolich

Have you ever known somebody so delightful, so precious, so kind, so loving that just the image of their face brings you a pang of joy? That is a noble woman. That is a woman who has loved well, served well, lived well. I want to be that kind of woman.

To think that the image of my face might give someone joy–not because of how I look or because I am their mother–but because the way I loved them was a blessing. Ahh, I have some work to do.

I want to be for others what this face represents to me:

marlene nikolich

Just look at that face! Just the image speaks volumes of love to me. This is a noble face. And Marlene Nikolich is my nomination for a Noble woman. I really hope she wins and this is why:

First. For being such a passionate wife that she desired for every wife to love as she does.

So what did she do? Volunteered thousands of hours for Worldwide Marriage Encounters….actually, for 15 years.

The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a positive and personal experience offering married couples an opportunity to learn a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It is a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. It is truly a marriage enrichment program. And Marlene and her husband, Michael, invested not only their time, but their finances so that married couples (and engaged couples) would have the foundation they needed to “become one flesh.” (Mark 10:8 NIV)

And second. For being such a passionate mom that she desired for every child to know the love of a mom and dad.

So what did she do? She adopted two sons, Michael and Matthew. And left her corporate job and went to work for Family First, more specifically for my husband, Mark. She has faithfully assisted my husband for 22 years! If you asked her what she does for Family First, she would probably say, “I care for people.” And that is the truth!

Marlene (our “Mar”) interfaces with everyone that Mark does and they love her best. We all do. Every employee here at Family First (the parent organization of iMOM, All Pro Dad, and the Family Minute with Mark Merrill) would tell you that Mar is their favorite. Not because she is the funniest or smartest or coolest–no, they would tell you it’s because she cares for them…and truly loves them.

So how did she get like this and what can I do to be like her? I asked her what had been her guide to becoming such a loving person. And this is what she said:

“Susan, I have lived by the words Michael (her husband) taught me…“Once you know your limitations, you are unlimited.”

 Combined with this verse:  “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.” (Acts 20:24 TLB)

I have been blessed to be unlimited in my corner of the world.”

I have been blessed to have Marlene in my corner of the world!

Do you know a noble woman? Enter her here to win

 

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