John 3:21 “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
One of the greatest privileges in ministry is that you get to meet some really good people. Over the years, I’ve come across several who have touched my heart because of their faith and determination, love and compassion.
Christy Blanchard was one of those precious people. She suffered from cancer and went through a lot of treatment programs. She had a great love of other people and even in the midst of all that she was going through, she kept thinking, praying for, and encouraging other people whose circumstances were less serious than her own, but who needed a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or a kind word and a smile.
Even though she didn’t have a lot of time left, she gave a lot of her time to other people. I constantly felt blessed each time I was in her company. I know that she was weary and anxious at times, and could have been overwhelmed by all she experienced, but she didn’t want the cancer to determine who she was, and so she brightened up the lives of those around her with kindness, love, and faith.
She lived up to her name, for it was the Christ within Christy that was plainly seen by all of us who experienced her care. She wasn’t wealthy or successful according to the world, but she had great riches in her life – family and friends, colleagues and neighbors – whose lives were touched and greatly enriched by her courage, compassion, and care.
Christy died peacefully this morning at home. She entered triumphantly in God’s everlasting Kingdom at the same time.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You enrich this earth with people of faith, whose friendship is part of the everlasting joy and abundant life that You promise us. Help us to value such precious folk and to enrich our earthly journey through appreciating, acclaiming, and adoring them. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart TRAQAIR@aol.com