Tomorrow is the last day for Brenda Chrane to serve as one of the ministers of the Highland Church. She has been there 25 years and is “retiring” to move more fully into her love of grandmothering.
This is one of the most amazing women I’ve met in my life: godly, positive, cheerful, helpful, wise, hospitable, compassionate. She consistently leaves people blessed and nurtured in her wake.
What a privilege it’s been to serve side-by-side with her for the past fifteen years.
Other Brenda Chrane testimonies?
She’s so very human, but in the best sense of the word. I’ve seen so many shades of emotions in her over the years, in a variety of experiences with her. The first time I met her, I was helping in my son’s 3-year-old class when she was the lead teacher, and he’s 26 now.
She always makes the other person feel like she’s been looking for them, or can’t wait to talk to them. She has a wonderful sense of humor. She always can find something positive to say about anyone. She always has the right thing to say to encourage and build up the person she’s talking to or about. She absolutely holds a confidence and never shares anything negative about anyone.
She’s a diplomat, a leader, encourager,a mentor, a devoted mother and grandmother. I still think of her as Dan’s wife, and we all miss him so much.
I can think of all sorts of Bible verses that describe her. I Cor. 13 comes to mind. Or Prov. 31.
I know many people consider her a true friend. I do.
I look forward to more time with her.
Brenda met with my wife and I when we decided to place membership at Highland about 2 years ago. I remember that she was very organized with a member directory, how to get involved info, and anything else that we might possibly need. But that is not what I remember the most about her. I best remember that she sat and learned about our life’s and life goals for almost an hour that day. It wasn’t enough for her to “sign us up.” She wanted to genuinely feel welcome. We did.
A few weeks later, one of my wife’s teachers at ACU told her, “Brenda Chrane said some really nice things about you and Chris the other day.” Wow.
Brenda has been one of the closest friends I’ve ever had. I met her when I came to work at Highland in Sept. of ‘94. We shared an office (where we were members of “Team Mike”) and quickly became friends. I always viewed Brenda as one of those people who don’t get much credit for what they do. Brenda worked so closely with so many hurting people, especially that fall when we lost Megan Cope and Jud Shields and experienced a number of other tragedies. It had to have taken an emtional toll on her, but she just kept going — giving herself to so many people.
I had never had such a good friend that wasn’t in my own age group, and I learned so much from Brenda. She was one of the very few people who knew how ill I was with my first pregnancy. She drove me to doctor’s appointments and checked me into the hospital a few times. Once she left me at the hospital, drove back to my house and cleaned up the place so it would be easier for me to come home. When Chad had to travel during that time, Dan and Brenda let me stay at their house so I wouldn’t have to be alone while being so sick. (I fainted in their kitchen one afternoon.) I spent many hours in their living room, when I was too sick to read or even watch TV, looking out the back windows over the pond on their property. That’s one of the few places where Abilene is actually pretty.
After Julia was born, Dan and Brenda loved her like she was their own grandchild. The night before we moved away was a Wednesday. At church that night, 18-month-old Julia saw Brenda and exclaimed, “Bwenda!” and ran towards her. That was the first time Julia had said her name. It broke my heart to move Julia away from this bonus set of grandparents God had blessed her with.
When we were moving to Baytown, Chad joked, “Maybe you can find a friend your own age.” My best friend in Baytown is 83 years old. Brenda taught me the beauty and blessings that lie in a friendship with someone who isn’t just like yourself, and I have continued to seek them out.
Some of our most cherished relatonships are the ones we didn’t expect. In Sept. of 1994, God blessed me with a job and with a close friendship with the woman who hired me. I still thank God for her presence in my life.
Brenda -
Your legacy of blessings you leave behind at Highland will never be forgotten. I am so glad you will be a full time grandmother, grandma, gigi, mimi…. We love you. Rob and Tammy Marcelain
Brenda has a rare quality and gift of being able to include everyone within eyeshot, all the while not excluding the one with whom she’s speaking.
As a new member at Highland just under three years ago, as Brenda guided me through that sea of unknown faces, it seemed every single person stopped her with a thank you for prayers, news updates on friends/relatives/situations, requests for prayers. She smilingly engaged each one, but never seemed to lose her focus on introducing me to Highland as completely as possible. We shared the Oasis meal and following the service, she then introduced me to yet another sea of Highland faces, 47 Elders, wives, staff members, et al.
All this was a bit overwhelming because of the sheer numbers of people, but Brenda seemed to not only know each one she greeted, but also all their exended families and groups of friends.
Truly an exceptionally gifted and dedicated lady. My Sunday morning seat companion and dear friend’s immediate reaction when Brenda’s retirement was announced says it all, imho; “What are we going do without her?”
We did the “new membership thing” with Brenda as well. What a great first person with which to meet when coming into a congregation!
I think we all commented when they made that announcement…I said, “Those are going to be big shoes to fill.”
Brenda made us feel so welcome when we came to Highland a little over a year and half ago. I am glad we moved here before she retired. She always remembers what is going on in our lives at the time and always asks how things are.
I don’t see how Brenda got so much done in a day. I’ve seen her comfort so many hurting people and provide whatever anyone needed. On top of all her duties and obligations, I watched her help pack boxes and orchestrate the move of a sweet, elderly lady to an apartment at Christian Village. She didn’t stop with the move. She was there several times when I came by, arranging furniture, hanging pictures and doing whatever needed to be done. She is amazing!
Kate
I have only met Brenda and Dan a few times but the greatest testimony to them I can give is named David. Their son has blessed my life in many ways and for a parent, that’s the greatest testimony anyone can give them.
Whoever ends up having to know all the “Highland folks details” will probably need to have Brenda on a permanent speed dial for about 1, 2 or 20 years!!!!! What a woman!!!
I, too, loved our initial “get together” when we moved to Abilene 5 years ago. Working as a volunteer at Highland on a fairly regular basis has given me the privilege of seeing and visiting with Brenda quite often.
Thank you Brenda for simply being who God has asked you to be!
Brenda serves as the “door” to the Highland House, meeting individually with each person/family that comes Highland’s way. Welcoming, gracious, and geniune, I cannot think of a better introduction and entry to the faith family at Highland. She will be beyond missed; you don’t replace a Brenda Chrane.
I always viewed Branda as the Mother Superior of Highland. I can’t add anything to the above comments except to say WHAT A WOMAN!
Brenda. She has been the precious perfume, poured out on the lives of God’s people. And we cannot help but be changed.
I was at Highland 20+ years ago when Brenda was still an administrative assistant. the thing I remember the most is the smiling face and constant encouragement no matter who you were or what you were doing. Case in point: part of one of my summer jobs was changing lightbulbs in that building (yes the old part too). When it came time for me to check her office, there was a smile and encouragement. When I filled in leading worship a few times, same smile and encouragement.
Mike
When Don was so critically ill 2 years ago, Brenda was the one who showed up within a very short time and took care of letting others know and to come and pray. She didnt neglect our physical needs and brought cookies and fruit and make sure our girls had someone to meet them at the airport. a quiet hero.who looks for others needs and meets them. Thanks to a seet friend, godly mentor and a Barnabas to all of us.
Don and Laura
I’ve known Brenda on so many different levels–the mother of close friends, friend, helper at Highland, mentor, minister, comedian…she’s truly wonderful! We love you, Brenda!
Sigh…
as the one whose desk has been situated right outside Brenda’s office door for the past four years, I have had the incredible blessing of witnessing Brenda simply loving people. Those who were struggling with health issues, those who were facing the loss of a loved one, those who were experiencing the death of their marriage, and those who simply were feeling lost in a large church, but wanted to know how they could become a part, all sat in Brenda’s office and received unconditional love, encouragement, sweet hugs, and often, her tears on their behalf. Brenda, as the sweet servant of God, was the hands, the words, the comfort, and the pouring out of love of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His beloved people. I have expressed to friends with whom I’ve shared my affection for and admiration of Brenda, that rather than the Congregational Care Minister, she should simply be called the minister of love. I also have been the recipient of Brenda’s sweet love and I thank God for the four years I have been blessed to have assisted her in her tasks. And I praise Him for her friendship. I will miss her daily influence in my life.
Having gone to church with Brenda’s parents 18 years, but knowing them, it’s not hard to understand how she would be as she is. I have only been around her a few times over the years, but what a great people-person she is . . . I should say, “Jesus-person” she is.
Brenda Chrane is without a doubt one of my favorite people on the planet. She is the very first person outside my family to whom I ever gave my cell phone number. I have worked with her on comittees and funerals so often that I have gotten to participate in her employee evaluations. The elders probably thought she was paying me to say the things I said, but then again, they know. I cannot imagine Highland without her. Frankly, as long as she lives she will be serving others whether officially or not. She is Highland’s mom and we are all better for her nurturing care. She deserve her retirement, but we will all miss her.
Brenda has done everything without complaining or arguing….She shines like a star in the universe as she holds out the Word of life….She has poured herself out for us all….Her influence goes far beyond Highland to every heart that has moved on to other congregations in other cities.
Brenda was a real blessing to us during our time at Highland. I wish I could be more articulate but really, no matter how many words I could pile together, they would fail to be adequate…May God bless Brenda as richly as she has blessed us.
Brent and Jen Bates
When I served as a deacon in adult education for Highland, Brenda was working David Wray as chairman. When David steped aside and I took over as chairmen for a couple of years, I was a bit apprehensive. But Brenda was so much help. I couldn’t imagine getting the job done without her. May God bless you in your continued walk with Him, Kent
How does a person make everyone they see feel like they’re truly welcomed? I believe Brenda just really feels that way about people! You couldn’t fake that kind of joy. May people who cross my path have an inkling of that kind of delight. And may I remember that others do care about how I greet them. Thanks, Brenda, for being so. . . YOU.