The spirit echos still

Today, seven years ago, the greatest woman I know went Home to be with Jesus. It's a day I won't ever forget. My mom is a woman I will never ever forget.

On Sunday we had a student in our youth group lose his own mom to non-Hodgkins lymphoma, just like my mom. I had been following their blog for a few weeks because I wanted to best know how to pray for their family, pray for his mom, pray for him. Last week I read a post that took me back directly to the last couple of weeks with my own precious mom. I quickly hid myself in a bathroom stall and cried. It's so amazing how grief can hit.

About three weeks ago I read a verse in Hebrews 11 that captivated my heart and made me think about my mom. It's verse 4 and says, "Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith." There are so many things my mom was an example in. She was one of the most kind, humble and giving souls you'd come across. She was queen of hospitality and knew how to make any and everyone feel comfortable in our home. She rejoiced when we rejoiced and cried when we cried...okay, and even at most Hallmark commercials and when missionaries spoke too.

Yet, more than anything, her example of faith still speaks to me. She loved Jesus. She loved Him with a child-like faith. She loved Him when everything was going well and she continued to love and trust Him when she was so sick with the cancer that absolutely ravaged her body. She didn't want to leave us here but she wasn't scared to die. She knew her Lord and she knew He would be there to take her Home. Her legacy of love...for Christ, for my dad, for Andy and I, and for those around her lives on and it always will. I am a better person because of her.

She had a laugh that was contagious and everyone recognized without even having to that it was coming from her. She had a way of burning rolls in the oven most of the time and laughing at it still. She had a way of rearranging furniture every few weeks. She had a way of cheering loudly for her son. She had a way of loving her man. She had a way of making me feel more loved and at home than any other person on the planet ever has. She had a way...a way I long to have myself.

"Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised! Reward her for all she has done." Prov. 31:28-31

Momma,

You are a woman to be praised. While I miss you terribly, I am so glad you have received your Reward in Him. Thank you for still speaking to us by your example of faith. I love you!

Forever,

your Kimberly

(Friends, please also pray for the Howell family I mentioned above and for the Jacobs family too...a friend who lost their baby at 34 weeks)