Remembering Nancy Schaefer, A Christian In Politics

Radio Commentary, WMVV 90.7 New Life FM, April 30, 2010
By Sue Ella Deadwyler

Good morning, Jim. I know you remember the song about the three Hebrew boys tossed in the fiery furnace. They “wouldn’t bend, they wouldn’t bow, they wouldn’t burn.” I can honestly say the same about Nancy Schaefer who went to be with the Lord on March 26th. She fearlessly stood boldly for Christian convictions, wherever she was. Her four years in the Georgia Senate tested her resilience and integrity as an ambassador for Christ in the political arena, where most of her bills went down to defeat in that politically correct atmosphere. But be that as it may, on April 20th her fellow senators introduced and passed a resolution honoring her life and memory.

S.R. 1462 introduced by Senator Butterworth, who now represents her district, describes her as one of Georgia’s most distinguished citizens who diligently and conscientiously devoted her time, talents and energy to representing citizens of District 50. S.R. 1462 reached back to the time she was born in Rabun County, then jumped over the years to 1986, when she founded her nonprofit Family Concerns, Inc., to strengthen and protect families at home and abroad. To do that, Nancy focused on educating citizens and leaders on the value of obeying God’s moral law.

Her Family Concerns Pregnancy Center served over 5,000 girls and women in metro Atlanta, where she hosted several radio programs and authored daily commentaries. Nancy was an eight-year trustee of the Southern Baptist Convention’s National Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and served as vice president of the Georgia Baptist Convention.

But with all her political and spiritual service, she was a most devoted wife and mother of four sons and a daughter. Those five children gave her 13 grandchildren, whom she adored.

Even in the political arena, where many put character and religious convictions on the back burner, Nancy’s reputation remained one of integrity, intelligence, fairness and kindness. She was a talented and compassionate woman who will be remembered for her love of family and friendship with multitudes of people in various walks of life. Nancy Schaefer was one of God’s creations who held fast to His Word and to His calling in her life. The many people who have known her through the years will miss her. The State of Georgia will miss her and so will I. She was my friend. For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.