Her Life, His Way

Kuin was a beautiful, warm and gracious lady who always stood out to me as one of those great examples to follow. I was particularly encouraged to hear that at the funeral of this lovely lady, many people were encouraged to live a different life because of the touching (and very truthful) eulogy that her husband gave. Glen, who was married to Kuin for 17 years, speaks of her exactly as anyone who knew her remembers her—a beautiful, godly woman. There is truly nothing exaggerated in this tribute to her memory—she really was exceptional.  

Have you ever wondered what people will say about you when you are gone? Be encouraged by this wonderful woman’s example that you too can live in such a way that your husband and children will “rise up and call you blessed.”  

As a testament to her worthiness, her husband Glen Tattersall wrote the following words:

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26)

I love Kuin for her companionship, her support and her constant encouragement. She never ran Trevor or myself down, but always encouraged our best.

In her God blessed me with the perfect mate. She was a faithful, conservative Christian who knew her Bible. We could talk as equals and support and encourage one another in our Christian walk. This was a blessing for which I was continually thankful.

One of the blessings of being a full-time preacher with the church and working from home is that we spent a lot of time with each other. We enjoyed being in each other’s company, and both of us being reasonably shy, we were content with that. We would spend hours just talking. We were one; we used to laugh when we anticipated each other’s thoughts.

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come”  (Proverbs 31:25)

We faced many trials together—a dangerous and troubled pregnancy, Kuin’s lupus, two hip operations, financial difficulties, challenges in doing the Lord’s work, and then her final battle with cancer—yet, as we faced them together, they simply served to make our marriage stronger.

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27).

I love Kuin for many reasons, but one of them was that she rejoiced in her godly role as a wife and mother. She said to me that she enjoyed keeping house, in looking after her husband and son, in cooking for us. In a time when many women put their focus on jobs and other pursuits, her words were so sweet and precious.

As a homemaker, Kuin was hardworking, neat, organised, loved crafts, an excellent cook, and enjoyed working in the garden. She kept the home, not as a show piece, but as one who took her role in the home seriously. She did not fritter away her time on the computer or with TV, and neglect what was necessary. If there is anything lovely and nice in our home, it is Kuin’s doing. Her presence is everywhere.

“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land” (Proverbs 31:11, 22, 23)

I always trusted Kuin to do what was right. As God’s woman she would let me lead, even though she was quite capable of making her own wise decisions. In writing cards or emails she would always sign them Glen, Kuin and Trevor; never Kuin, Glen and Trevor. These touches never went unnoticed and it was always a joy to honour, to praise, and to serve her; and we’d try to outdo each other in putting the other first.

She conducted and attired herself modestly, and strove to be a good mum to Trevor. Her love for him was demonstrated in so many practical ways.

She was a hard worker in the church. We have done things in the church such as the Launceston Show display for over ten years, hosted Gospel campaigns and the like, which were successful efforts exceeding what our congregational numbers would suggest, because she was always there working in the background and letting others take the limelight. I loved being with her doing the Lord’s work. Brother Mark McWhorter visiting from the States last week said that Kuin’s passing would affect the work of the church, much greater than my passing. This is true.

“She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy” (Proverbs 31:20).

Kuin was concerned about the welfare of others and strove to set up Bible studies, to go with me visiting, and to help out those in need.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10).

Kuin often said that “when God gives, He gives the best” and that was true for the wife He gave me.

1. I have had the tremendous blessing these last 17 ½ years to be married to this woman and she was my very best friend.
2. She was the wind beneath my wings.
3. Through grief at her passing I thank God for lending her to me for that time.
4. Trevor and I can only pray and endeavour to walk in such a way, that one day we stand with her, no longer as husband and wife and child, but as the redeemed of God before His throne.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:28-31).