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A Widow’s Quiet Strength: How Phyllis Smith Kept Trusting God
Hey friends—thank you for joining us for another story in our Women of Faith series. This week’s guest, Mrs. Phyllis Smith shares her life of faith and resilience as she models steady, everyday trust in God through decades of change, loss, and healing.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- Growing up in Nebraska as one of seven children—and the early foundations of faith.
- Meeting Waid, navigating military life, and viewing big moves as an adventure.
- Building a home in Alabama and learning to extend grace to family.
- “Living your Christianity” in daily rhythms that quietly influence others.
- Enduring widowhood and multiple myeloma with a perspective shaped by trust: no complaining, just taking each day as it comes.
- Learning how to live a life of faith and resilience.
- How Phyllis’s focus has shifted to God’s priorities in this season of life.
Women of Faith: Phyllis Smith on Endurance, Grace, and Daily Trust
Some stories inspire because they’re loud and dramatic. Phyllis Smith’s story inspires because it’s steady. In this Women of Faith conversation, Phyllis shares a life shaped by simple obedience, long seasons of perseverance, and a calm confidence that God can be trusted—especially when life hurts.
From growing up in Nebraska to meeting her husband Waid, Phyllis learned early what it looks like to keep showing up with faith. Military life carried their family from place to place—Puerto Rico, Ohio, Germany—yet she chose to treat each move as an adventure, not a hardship. Later, establishing a permanent home in Alabama brought its own lessons in grace, hospitality, and family dynamics.
Phyllis also faced deep trials, including widowhood and a battle with multiple myeloma. What stands out is her perspective: she doesn’t waste energy complaining—she focuses on trusting God and living faithfully in the day in front of her. If you’re navigating grief, illness, or a hard transition, her testimony offers a grounded reminder that God’s purpose can be present even in the struggle.
Interview questions
- First of all, you grew up in Nebraska as #6 of 7 children, which is interesting in itself. What do you want to tell us about growing up in this household with lovingly strict parents?
- Will you share how the two of you got together?
- I thought your life in Germany was particularly fascinating. Will you tell us why you enjoyed living there so much?
- What made you decide to give it a chance?
- Will you describe what you call “living your Christianity” and the impact it had on those around you?
- Looking back, how was God growing your faith during this season of life that helped you endure future struggles?
- Do you think he knew he wasn’t going to live much longer?
- What impact has trusting God made in your ability to just take every day as it comes and handle everything with such grace and fortitude?
- What do you sense is God’s priority and purpose for you in this season?
Listen to the full conversation: https://feeds.transistor.fm/courage-for-the-journey
Closing
I want to thank Phyllis for coming in. It has been a real treat for me to have her in the WKUL studio. She has lived a life of faith and resilience with courage to trust God will come through, and I know her story is going to connect with many of our listeners.
I love Phyllis and really enjoyed hearing more of her life story. She is a true woman of faith.
Yes!
Phyllis was one of the first people I met when I started attending Seventh Street (now Northbrook) 25+ years ago. I always think of her kindness, generosity, & faith when I think of her. Phyllis (& Hope Weeks) made a tremendous difference in my life.
That’s wonderful!
Wondering interview! I would love to know Mrs. Smith! What a blessing she must be 💗
I can introduce you!
Phyllis and Waid have been some of our best friends for many years. She is a gourme cook, a wonderful hosts, and a true southern loving, Christian lady. God used their life to be an influence to others, and she is still inspiring others. We are so thankful for their friendship and love. Even in the little fishing town of New Amsterdam, Indiana, they served in the Methodist church. She played the piano and had an open home for the community to visit. I can’t say enough about their influence on our marriage and lives. We love Phyllis and admire her stamina and determination. We love you!! Marshall and Glynda Hardin
I am so glad you could use the podcast to reconnect.
Though I met Phyllis just after I moved to Cullman and joined First Baptist Church 4 years ago, I got to know her during a beach trip with some of our ladies from Sunday School. She has a quiet wisdom, and endurance that is so evident in all she does. Her perseverance encourages me every time I think of her. She bears the fruits of the Spirit that come from her love for God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I love Phyllis dearly and I’m a better person for having known her. I praise my God upon every remembrance of her.
Praise the Lord! And thank you for sharing.