Wednesday, May 5, 2010

I Will Remember


I want to share with you today a very important person in my life.  Our story began 18 years ago when I was 30.  I was an on-again off-again Christian, knowing there is a God but pretty much not doing anything about it and not attending church.  I went through a traumatic life experience and in the process told the Lord that if He would restore my family then I would do my best to find Him.  The Lord did restore my family and we had to move to another state.  The first week after moving, my husband brought home an invitation from a local church for a women's luncheon.  I knew that I had to act on my promise to God and I went, not knowing anyone.

When I entered the luncheon I saw Cheryl sitting at a table, smiling and laughing and I thought to myself, I think I could like her and I wonder if we could be friends.  Well, the Lord was thinking similar thoughts because we became very good friends.  My husband and I began going to this church.  In everything I did there, Cheryl was a part of.  Each class, Bible study, event had us sitting next to each other.  She taught me God's Word, how to pray, how to be a good wife, mother and friend and how to love the Lord.  She would sing and play the piano and I would stand amazed at her talent and love for God.  One Sunday when the Pastor asked if anyone wanted to accept Christ, I went forward with my cheerleader by my side.  My life has never been the same.

This past weekend, Cheryl went to be with the Lord after a 2 year battle with brain cancer.  When I would speak with her, she often reminded me about what was important in life; family, friends and most of all Jesus Christ and her unwavering faith and trust in Him.  She was positive and determined and brought joy to many people during a time when others might sink into despair.  She leaves a legacy of her love for Jesus and the many people she touched with that love.  I can only hope that my life will have as much impact on others to the glory of God as her 46 years of life had.  I will miss her everyday and I will never forget the first time I saw her and that smile and her laugh.

Please pray for her husband and 3 children.  Frank, Leah (college junior), Amy (college freshmen) and Frank (11th grade).  Though we trust in a sovereign Lord, the grief is palpable.

Be blessed,

28 comments:

  1. Godspeed to your dear friend Reen.

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  2. Sorry to hear about your loss Renee. I will pray for her family.

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  3. ...and heaven opened its arms wide to honor her in glory! What a blessing you had in her...her purpose was fulfilled. Walk with her as she continues to guide you on your path. Friends are such a blessing to have. I feel your loss and will pray for her family who is missing her.

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  4. Hi Renee, thanks for sharing this heart wrenching story, I am sure everyone in blog world is praying for the family.

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  5. I'm so sorry to hear this story. What a crown she has received. There was a party in Heaven when she arrived. I'm sure you will feel her loss for awhile. Just think of the impact you also are making on others that you don't realize.

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  6. I had a person in my life like that. Not as personal of a friend but just as infleuntial. Her name was Sandra and she was my Teaching Leader in BSF when we lived in Dallas. She went to be with the Lord several years ago after I had moved away. But I remember her and her words now and again, reminding me to be faithful to God's word. God is good to give us those friends. She will be with you for the rest of your life. So sorry about your loss.

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  7. It's times like this when it is always hard to find the right words, but I am glad that you have lovely memories to treasure. Jenny

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  8. I am truly sorry about your loss and I pray that you and her family have strength, while knowing she is now an angel watching over you.

    Hugs, many hugs.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  9. What a wonderful testimoney of her life. No one can take her place, but I pray for another special friend for you. Hugs to you.

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  10. Good Morning Renee.
    I am so sorry for your loss. What a dear person she was in your life as well as many others. I am praying for her family who remains. You are right, we are happy when one we loves goes to be with the Lord on one hand, but the pain is very real on the other.
    Sincerely ~ Tricia

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  11. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I will keep her family in my prayers.

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  12. Renee, my heart goes out to you. 5 1/2 years ago I lost my very best friend as well. She fought breast cancer and then lung cancer. I miss her terribly. Every day that has passed I still think of her and wish that we could talk on the phone. She was such a good friend, and accepted me just as I am. I know that my friend is much happier walking with the Lord, but it does not make the vacant spot in my heart go away.

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  13. Renee, I was so sorry about your friend. I know that her, and her family, have been on you heart and mind for so long.
    I will pray for her family and celebrate her pain free, unimaginable existence now! So hard to image the glory! There has been a celebration with her homecoming!
    Love & Prayers!!!

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  14. Renee,
    I'll be praying for your friend's family...and you.:)

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  15. Oh Renee,

    So sorry to hear of this news. How sad, for everyone. We now trust that she is no longer suffering. You know she is right by your side watching over you.

    Sally

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  16. I will gladly pray for the family!!!
    Love, Debra

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  17. I am so sorry to hear of your loss Renee. My prayers are with you for comfort (and for her family as well). ((((((Renee))))) hugs to you...

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  18. I blogged a Mark Shultz song dedicated to you girl! Its a bit rockish so only play it when you are up for it.

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  19. Although your story was sad to read (I cried all through it), it was also very insightful for me. Praying for you and her family.

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  20. Renee, yo have way too many "Pretties" to share just one! Share Many!

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  21. Renee -- You and your friend's family have my prayers. Peace and comfort to you all!

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  22. I missed this post, so this comes late, but wanted you to know how sorry I am to hear that you lost such a dear friend. I will pray for her family and for you too, Renee.

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  23. Thanks for stopping by my blog. You have a beautiful space here. I got a little misty eyed reading about your friend. I had a woman that helped me in a similar way during my teenage years, who I will never forget too. She is like a second mom to me and just made me want to be a better person. I didn't always make the best decisions as a teenager, but she planted the seed in my heart and after a little time, I found myself much closer to the Lord. It is wonderful to have a person like that in our lives. Sounds like she did a great job during her time here on earth.

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  24. So sorry for such a loss to your life, Renee. Look how God used her to bring you to Him! Look forward to the blessed hope we have as believers, and the joy of seeing her again. I'm praying for peace and comfort in your time of sorrow. pokey

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  25. It is so hard to lose a friend, but you know she is with the Lord and is now without pain. I will pray for her family and you and all the people that she has touched with her short life.

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  26. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend and am thankful for the testimony she has left behind. My best friend has ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and has not had the use of her legs for the past year. She is slowly losing her upper muscles, too. I help with her caregiving and daily get to see a life that is radiant with the grace of God. It amazes me. And every time I leave her house, it makes me thankful for the "little" things I take for granted, such as being able to get up and walk ... which, of course, is no little thing. Your friend was beautiful, both outwardly and inwardly. And she is even more beautiful now. I'm sorry for the hurt you are feeling and pray your heart will be held close by the tenderness of Jesus.

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  27. So sorry for your loss....may God's grace comfort you in this time.

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  28. So sorry for your loss. May God's grace be a comfot to you

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