A Conversation with Bunny Wilson

Bunny Wilson is a dear friend and a kindred spirit. In fact, nearly two years before ROH Radio was born, she and I brainstormed and dreamed together about what it would be like to have a radio program designed to promote biblical womanhood among Christian women. Bunny has been a great encouragement to my life and has spurred me on to pursue Christ more earnestly.

One of the most popular series we have aired on Revive Our Hearts was an interview with Bunny, in which we talked about her book, Liberated Through Submission—one of the most helpful I’ve read on this subject.

Here’s a personal glimpse into Bunny’s heart.

Nancy: If you could have lunch with three women (living or dead), who would they be and what would you want to talk about?

Bunny: First, Mary, the mother of Jesus. I would like to talk about her devotional life. Second, My great-great grandmother, Patience. She was a slave on the Crawford plantation in South Carolina. I would want to talk about my family lineage in Africa and her experiences in the United States. Third, Oprah Winfrey. I would want to talk about her understanding of having a personal relationship with Christ.

Nancy: What do you most enjoy about being a woman?

Bunny: I enjoy the emotional make-up of being a woman. Who else could carry a baby for nine months, give birth with great pain and two years later be ready to do it all over again? I enjoy the depth of being a woman.

Nancy: What do you find most difficult or challenging about being a woman in today’s culture?

Bunny: The pressure to conform to a busy and hectic lifestyle.

Nancy: What one or two women have been great role models for you as a woman? How have they impacted your life? What have you learned from them?

Bunny: First, Devi Titus, founder of “Virtue” magazine and owner of the “Mentoring Mansion” in Youngstown, Ohio. Devi taught me the significance of being a homemaker and mother. Second, Shirley Barber, head of women's ministry for the People’s Church in Fresno, California. Shirley taught me the importance of having a gentle and quiet spirit.

Nancy: What do you wish you’d known or done differently as a younger woman?

Bunny: I wish I would have known the tremendous impact of the tongue.

Nancy: What have you read in the past year that has particularly blessed you?

Bunny: Intimacy with the Almighty, by Chuck Swindoll. This book challenged me to go deeper in Christ through simplifying my lifestyle and seeking silence of heart, mind and soul.

Nancy: How would you like to be remembered by your friends and family?

Bunny: As a woman who loved God above all else.

Nancy: How has the practice of biblical submission blessed and enriched your life?

Bunny: Submission has brought peace and order to my relationships. This tremendous principle helps liberate and empower.

Nancy: What has been the hardest decision you have had to submit to, and how did it turn out?

Bunny: In 1989, a friend’s daughter who had a baby out of wedlock came to live with us when the boy was two days old. Six months later, she abandoned the baby and my husband and I became the foster parents. I was 39 years old with four daughters. I fell deeply in love with this baby and wanted to adopt. But my husband said no.

I knew that if the baby was turned over to the state, we would probably loose track of him. I would sometimes cry myself to sleep because of my concern for him. However, I yielded to my husband’s decision.

Nancy: How did it turn out?

Bunny: Fortunately, an older, childless couple in our church who had given up all hope of having a child of their own adopted him so I was still able to have contact. Two years later, I had a “surprise” baby girl. If we had adopted the boy, I would have had two babies. As the boy grew, he was greatly involved in sports activities. Many of the things I accomplished during his growing up years would have had to be put on the back burner had I adopted him.

Nancy: What concerns do you have for Christian women today?

Bunny: I have observed that many Christian women are over-worked, over-extended, and overcommitted.

Nancy: How would you counsel or encourage those women?

Bunny: I recommend that women make Jesus their first love (Rev. 2:2-5) and give Him the first of their day, thoughts and plans. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.” When we make Jesus our priority, He directs our steps and leads us in prioritizing our day and activities.

Nancy: What’s one practical piece of advice you would give to single women?

Bunny: When you are dating a potential spouse, keep your emotions on the back-burner and be willing to ask the difficult questions; stay alert to what others have to say about the individual.

Nancy: What’s one practical piece of advice you would give to young wives?

Bunny: Don’t try to change him. And moms—the time goes so quickly; make every moment count.

Nancy: What’s one practical piece of advice you would give to older women?

Bunny: Don’t lament the past, look with hope to the future, and enjoy every day to the fullest.

Nancy: Several years ago, you developed a tremor in your right hand that has grown progressively worse and has moved to other parts of your body. How has God used this affliction in your life?

Bunny: My affliction has shown me my level of trust in God and my belief that He has everything under control. Psalm 119:92 says, “"If I had not delighted in your law, I would have perished in my affliction.” It is wonderful to know that we can be afflicted and yet have peace. Since God is sovereign, I have given Him the right to decide which side of the river my healing comes; earth or heaven. As His child, I know that nothing can happen to me apart from His permission. So I am surrendered to His decision and that gives me daily strength.

© Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com. Info@ReviveOurHearts.com