Leave an Inheritance

by John C. Westervelt

     A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.  Proverbs 13:22

     Since becoming a widower twenty-two years ago, I have enjoyed dinner every Friday night at the home of my brother Wallace and his wife Barbara.

     On a recent Friday night, Barbara fixed oven-fried chicken, sweet potatoes, cabbage amandine, and orange slices.  The cabbage amandine was particularly delicious, so I asked, “Where did you get the recipe?”

     Barbara said, “That is Rosalie Ashworth’s recipe from an Asbury cook book from the early 1970s.  Each time I fix it I am reminded of Rosalie.”

     I thought, “On this Friday night, I am enjoying an inheritance from Rosalie.”

     I was to learn on Monday from Rosalie’s daughter Paula Smallwood that Rosalie died in 1976 at age 57 after battling cancer for four years.  I found in my coffee-table book, The Heritage of Asbury United Methodist Church, on page 115 that Rosalie was on an Asbury bowling team with Pat Ulrich and Jayne Mason.  On page 175, Rosalie was listed as President of Asbury’s Woman’s Society of Christian Service for 1969-1971.  This group was the predecessor of today’s United Methodist Women.

     As I thought about the inheritance that Rosalie left, my mind focused on her daughter.  Paula shares Jesus with four-year-olds in Asbury’s weekday preschool.  I have been blessed to work with Paula as a volunteer.  I observe her love for the children.  I know about the work she does at home to be prepared for the school day.

     As good friends, Paula and I share what’s going on in our lives.  It was years ago now that the Student Ministries staff asked Paula to lead a Small Group Bible study on Sunday night. 

Since her daughter Caroline was a seventh-grader at the time, Paula chose a group of girls who were that age, but one that did not include Caroline.  These girls, now high school juniors, continue their Bible study and mission work with Paula and two other women as their leaders.

     Paula went to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky with an Asbury youth group to repair homes in impoverished areas.  Paula joined volunteers from Venue 68 to build a house for Habitat for Humanity.  She has shared how much she loves the people that she and her brother visit twice a month for Meals on Wheels.

     On Wednesday night Paula can be found at Asbury’s Venue 68 helping with “Life Hurts, God Heals,” a Celebrate Recovery Bible study.  Fifty junior- and senior-high youth gather for worship and singing.  The service is followed by small group meetings.  Paula and another woman listen to eight or ten girls share their hurts and healings.  So Rosalie’s inheritance lives on in service to children and youth.

     You can enjoy the inheritance of Rosalie’s Cabbage Amandine.

1 Tbsp. oleo            5 c. coarsely shredded cabbage

1/4 c. chopped, blanched     1 tsp. salt

 almonds                2 Tbsp. oleo

1 1/2 c. milk           2 Tbsp. flour

     Melt 1 tablespoon oleo in skillet.  Add almonds and cook until lightly browned.  Set aside.  Heat milk in large saucepan; add cabbage and salt.  Cover and simmer 2 minutes, add 2 tablespoons oleo.  Sprinkle flour over cabbage.  Mix and simmer 3 minutes, stirring frequently.  Stir in almonds.  Makes 6 servings.

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