Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
A few years ago, one of my sisters was diagnosed with cancer. Although I know she was concerned, there was a peace within her that came from the Lord. Rita did not allow anything to discourage her from using the illness as an opportunity to testify to her faith in Christ.
She could have easily used her sickness to wallow in self-pity. Certainly her family, friends and others would have understood fear of the unknown or complaints from the pain she endured
Instead, Rita, with her beautiful blue eyes and warm smile, spent her time during treatments, hospitalizations and visits at home, to proclaim her unwavering belief in the faithfulness of Christ, and His ability to restore her health.
She boldly took the gifts of time and strength she was given, to witness and proclaim the Gospel to anyone she encountered.
My sister was not a shy person, to say the least. First, she was a precious, godly woman, a brilliant RN, University of Alabama grad, and a talented pianist (It thrilled me whenever she let me duo “Chopsticks” with her!). She was a wife and wonderful mom to four boys, plus so much more. She loved Jesus, her family and Alabama football. Rita was very vocal about any of her passions! “College football season” has not been the same without her booming “Roll Tide!”.
With that said, being outspoken about politics or football is one thing, but to have the courage and boldness to speak up for the Truth and proclaim the Word of God, praising and glorifying the Lord is entirely different. It takes a special person to claim the months, days and hours remaining as chances to tell others about the love of Christ and the confidence that He would bring complete healing. Some may say that in the end, she was wrong, but if they listened to what she told them about Jesus, she knew one way or another, she would be whole. What seems to the world as defeat, is instead victory in Christ Jesus.
The Father she trusted and hoped in did not fail her. On June 28, 2009, Rita was taken from this world of suffering to her Home in Glory, where she is well in the Presence of her King.
Below is a part of an e mail Rita sent to me about 8 months before she passed. Rather than look at her life as one lost so young, The Lord has shown me, indeed, Rita’s was one invested to the end, in bringing glory to Him, courageously, She opted to let the Light of Christ shine through her. For Rita, truly to live was Christ and to die, gain.
grbhwc@aol.com
To:
carpediemhwy@yahoo.com
Oct 14, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Hey, Beth,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I had a Pet scan last Monday and the results were all negative!!! We are thanking the Lord for completing my recovery as we (and others) prayed!!! I will be observed now occasionally having more Pet scans
Father God
Please forgive us our sins against You, others and ourselves
Thank You for this and every day we are given
Please let us not be concerned with who or what is around us
But stand firm in proclaiming Your Word
Why are we fearful, Lord?
In You, we have nothing or no one to fear
Please give us the boldness to testify to Your greatness
And share Your Gospel
The world does not know Truth
The only Truth is Your Word
Please allow us to accept encouragement to keep Scripture hidden in our hearts
So we can at any place or time, give an answer for our belief in You
And that we can know and share You with others
Let our thoughts, words and actions, reflect our trust, hope and confidence in Who You Are
You Are The Almighty God
Let us be willing, in health or in sickness, to testify about Your faithfulness
Please let us love one another and pray for each other
We thank You for the comfort in knowing that those who put their trust in Christ alone
From this world, will fall at the feet of Precious Jesus, our Savior
In the Name of Jesus
We ask that You give us more love for You and others every day
And that we never waste or forfeit an opportunity to be all You created us to be
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqhnAUWTGok If You Want Me To
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E 10,000 Reasons
credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
Rita K W M 9/4/56 (a life of living for, trusting in, testifying about Jesus Christ) 6/28/09
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