Debbie
My friend Carol called this afternoon and we had a good visit, but I could feel the sadness and sense the weariness she didn't try to put into words. For some time now, Carol has been doing what Carol does best, loving the hurting ones. And she is tired. She would never say that not let it deter her, but I know it. We have been like that all along, sensing one another's hearts and moods, even needs.
I met Carol at a Pastors' Wives conference a long time ago and knew within five minutes that our bond would be life long and close. I lived in Colorado then and she in Alabama, but that made no difference. Later, God sent us to live in Dothan, Alabama near Carol, and our friendship grew ever closer.
One day, 7 years ago, Carol brought a friend over and in my big, old fashioned kitchen Debbie told me how God had healed her of cancer. God healed Debbie of cancer more than once! Different cancers, completely unique one from another. Satan struck her again and again, each time letting her go a while cancer free. He could not beat her down, however nor destroy her faith.
Carol had to leave our telephone conversation early with a promise to call back. When she did, she had just gotten news that Debbie had died.
Carol had been spending a lot of time with Debbie who had been diagnosed with yet another type of cancer and had waged that battle valiantly for several years now. I don't know all the details of her illness, but I know the impact her faith had on others... so many, many others.
Debbie's husband, Johnny, is not a saved man (Carol asked him) but he came to church with her and their son. He was always so tender with her and the depth of his love was evident. Pray for him and the family.
And pray for Carol who has been the comforter and companion of too many as they walk that final valley. Carol gives until you cannot imagine she has more to give, then gives even more. She is one of the most loving and tender people I've ever met. I cannot think of Carol without thinking of Jesus.
Well, I entitled this, "Debbie," but it is as much about Carol and God as it is my sweet red-headed friend Debbie. I still love so many folks from Dothan... and now, just three years after we left, three of them are gone home to the Lord. Praise God they were believers!! Even so, my heart aches and tears are flowing free.
I met Carol at a Pastors' Wives conference a long time ago and knew within five minutes that our bond would be life long and close. I lived in Colorado then and she in Alabama, but that made no difference. Later, God sent us to live in Dothan, Alabama near Carol, and our friendship grew ever closer.
One day, 7 years ago, Carol brought a friend over and in my big, old fashioned kitchen Debbie told me how God had healed her of cancer. God healed Debbie of cancer more than once! Different cancers, completely unique one from another. Satan struck her again and again, each time letting her go a while cancer free. He could not beat her down, however nor destroy her faith.
Carol had to leave our telephone conversation early with a promise to call back. When she did, she had just gotten news that Debbie had died.
Carol had been spending a lot of time with Debbie who had been diagnosed with yet another type of cancer and had waged that battle valiantly for several years now. I don't know all the details of her illness, but I know the impact her faith had on others... so many, many others.
Debbie's husband, Johnny, is not a saved man (Carol asked him) but he came to church with her and their son. He was always so tender with her and the depth of his love was evident. Pray for him and the family.
And pray for Carol who has been the comforter and companion of too many as they walk that final valley. Carol gives until you cannot imagine she has more to give, then gives even more. She is one of the most loving and tender people I've ever met. I cannot think of Carol without thinking of Jesus.
Well, I entitled this, "Debbie," but it is as much about Carol and God as it is my sweet red-headed friend Debbie. I still love so many folks from Dothan... and now, just three years after we left, three of them are gone home to the Lord. Praise God they were believers!! Even so, my heart aches and tears are flowing free.
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