What Luther's Wife said on her Deathbed

Sometimes a speaker or author drops a phrase that instantly embeds itself in the memory. In effect, it acts like one of those prickly burrs that stick to a walker’s socks in a wild field. Just as this seed case clings like super velcro to the clothing, so the idea sticks in your mind and won’t let go.

• For many Christians, William Carey’s admonition is of this variety: “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”

• Or that famous line that could be seen on a postcard on the desk of C.T. Studd – a ready answer to all who questioned the wisdom of his missionary actions: “If Jesus Christ be God, and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”

• Into the same category must surely be placed the reported dying words of Katherine von Bora – Luther’s wife. In a quite stunning sentence she uses this very term “burr”:

“I will stick to Christ as a burr to a coat.”

Sayings of this type are unforgettable. Unlike burrs, we no more want to chase them out of our mind than we want to drain the colour from a painting by one of the recognised masters. This particular ‘velcro statement’ is incredible and, I suggest, is a most worthy motto for life.