My sister-in-law Cindy was a true woman of faith. Like many of us, she did not have the easiest life, but in the midst of her challenges, she exhibited amazing faith. Cindy lived a life that I believe could be added right into the Hebrews 11 hall of fame. By faith Cindy kept her eyes fixed on Jesus – without wavering – throughout her lifetime.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
In 2017 our precious Cindy passed from unseen hope into fully seen faith. She lost her battle with ALS, but she won the victory over death through faith in Jesus. She now sees her Savior face to face! We miss her dearly, but our family has hope and assurance in the midst of grief that we will see her again – healthy and full of abundant life.
Cindy was sure about what was ahead for her. Sure of salvation through Jesus. Sure of heaven. Sure of eternal life. Sure of no more tears. Sure of no more pain. Sure of no more suffering. Sure of complete joy in the presence of Jesus.
When we put together mementos of Cindy’s life to display at her memorial service, I was in awe of what was gathered. Without intention, everything we chose was a treasure Cindy had stored up for heaven. Her Bible. An amazing prayer book she had created. Worship songs she had written. Family photos. Teaching awards. All that she did pointed to Jesus. Everywhere she went, she spread the fragrance of Christ. Cindy wasn’t worried about storing up things on earth, she was busy storing up treasure for heaven.
Her best friend spoke of Cindy exemplifying Mary in the Bible’s account of Mary and Martha. Like Mary, Cindy chose what was best and it could not be taken from her (Luke 10:42).
A great wedding will stir your heart to love well, and a great funeral will stir your heart to live well. Cindy accomplished both in one day. She wanted her funeral to be more like a wedding. Per her request, we had a wedding dress on display right beside the coffin. She took very seriously the analogy woven throughout Scripture of Jesus as the bridegroom and His followers as the bride. Her love for Jesus was evident to all. She had made herself ready and was waiting for her bridegroom. She had kept herself pure through the blood of Jesus.
Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, were given her to wear.
Revelation 19:6-8
Cindy exemplified such great faith through unbelievable difficulty and suffering. Not only did she endure through ALS into the arms of Jesus, but her oldest son did as well less than 2 years prior (Cindy and Daniel are pictured above on his wedding day). Cindy was able to keep offense and bitterness at bay because she kept her eyes on Jesus.
What about you? Are you harboring offense or bitterness? Are you storing up earthly treasure or heavenly treasure? Are you spreading the fragrance of Christ? Are you shining His light in this dark world? Are you using the gifts the Lord has given you to the fullest? Have you made yourself ready?
Cindy was an incredible teacher, and I know she would want us to learn from her life. Release offense, let go of unanswered questions and keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Let it be settled that neither the devil nor ALS had the final word in Cindy’s life. Jesus had the final word. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Cindy heard her bridegroom say, “Well done .. enter into the joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:23).
