Meet the women at Charlotte - Irene

This post marks the next in a series of interviews with different women who are part of the Charlotte Chapel family.  We hope to allow you to hear a little about the different lives we live, what makes us tick and how we seek to grow in our faith.  This time, we would like you to meet Irene Aird.

Q: Thank you letting us hear a little about you Irene.  Could you tell us your favourite Christian song or hymn so readers can listen while they read on?

A : It is difficult to choose as I have so many favourites.  If I might be allowed two they would be 'In Christ Alone' and 'O to see the Dawn - The Power of the Cross'. 

Q: Can you tell us how you became a Christian?

A: My family were churchgoers.  When I was nine we moved to another city and attended a church where the gospel was clearly preached.  My sister, six years older, was the first in the family to see her condition as a sinner and rejoice in God's provision of a saviour.  My parents followed soon after.  I initially thought this was a bit 'over the top' as my sister always seemed like the nicest person in the world.

Over the years I learned about God.  In my head I knew I was a sinner who needed a saviour but I was stubborn and proud - I wanted to be in charge of my own life and was not prepared to submit to Jesus as Lord.  At university I continued to attend church and C.U. and eventually through the faithful preaching of God's word and the prayers of my family, I could resist God no longer.  Jeremiah 31:3 spoke to me ('I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness.') and I became a Christian.

Q: Thank you for your honesty. Can you tell us what would be your desert island book? (we'll let you take the Bible of course!)

A: Definitely Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Q: To give us a flavour of the life you lead, could you tell us what you would be likely to be doing at 2pm on a Wednesday afternoon.

A: On a good day walking in the Pentlands or learning Gaelic for a class on Thursday evenings.

Q: Where is your favourite place to be?
A: The Scottish West Highlands by the sea.

Q: You're not the first of our interviewees to mention the sea – we seem to draw inspiration from seeing God's power in creation.

I know you are a devoted hostess, so could you share what is your signature dish in the kitchen?
A: Two examples would be Thai chicken (or Thai Quorn for veggies)  followed by sticky-toffee pudding.

Q: Who is someone who has discipled you? (helped you grow in your faith) Can you tell us a little about them?

A: I have been helped by so many over the years but my sister Isobel was the first Christian I had close contact with.  Over the years she has been such a steady influence and example.  She is now a retired schoolteacher who is actively involved in her church as Sunday School Superintendent, working with children's groups during the week, visiting the elderly and hospitality work.  She has an active prayer life and constantly encourages prayer for family members, both Christian and non-Christian.  She is fun to be with and has a great interest in history and art work.

Q: I would like to meet her! Can you describe a few ways in which you have been involved in helping others grow in their faith in Charlotte Chapel?

A: Through involvement in Christianity Explored, Discipleship Explored, Time Out, Word Alive, 1:1 and 1:2 meetings.  These have all helped my growth  in faith too.

Q: Thank you for sharing this Irene.  It is good to hear how discipling others helps you grow too.  Finally, could you tell us what brings you the greatest joy?

A: Spending time with family, including husband, children and grand-children as well as church family, the greatest joy being when they are following Jesus and growing as Christians.  For example I was delighted by my son's declaration of 1Cor.1:20-25 'Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.' among his Ph.D. acknowledgements.

Thanks to Irene for sharing some of her story.  Do feel free to suggest other women who you would like to get to know through these interviews - email womenatcharlotte@gmail.com