See you later friend

Friday morning, I stood in front of the students and staff at Holland Christian High School and I talked about the one gift God has given all of us...our timeline.  Two hours after I spoke, my friend Lindy jumped into the best part of the timeline...eternity with Jesus.

I met Lindy 12 years ago, when I started working at Haven Church.  I was surprised at how one of my brother's high school friends could have married someone so cool.  Dusty was a part of the drama team I led and Lindy would come to the practices and give me advice on how to direct her husband.  Needless to say, there was a lot of laughter and a relationship was formed.  I remember one evening the three of us went into Lindy's father's barn to get a wooden cross for church.  If any of you know Lindy's dad and the condition of his barn, you know how entertaining this adventure was. (Love you Mel!!!)  One afternoon Lindy called me up and asked if I would help her organize some new toys in the church nursery.  During that afternoon, we thought we solved all the world's problems.  As the years went on and our lives changed, our relationship didn't.  You see Lindy and I had a very similar sense of humor and that kept us linked together.  When Dusty and Lindy's twins were born, there were a few nights when I stopped by to lend a hand.  I am not sure if Lindy got any rest those evenings, because she would sit with me and our humor took over.  Seven months later the journey changed and Lindy started fighting to stay alive.

It didn't matter how sick Lindy was, she was always so supportive of me.  Her cards and emails were such an encouragement and a joy to always get.  I always laughed when she would show up to at hot dog/carnival when she didn't eat hot dogs, but that is just who she was.  Lindy served and as she fought cancer, her determination to tell people about Christ grew.  While fighting cancer she dreamed up fund raisers to help send her friends to Africa to serve for 5 years. 

Knowing Lindy, made me a better person.  She wasn't a saint, she was Lindy.  I will miss our El Rancho dates, her honesty and the way she could always make me laugh.  Lindy's obituary said, "Lindy left a wonderful legacy for her family and was an inspiration for thousands through her battle to live. Despite her earthly trials, she taught us how to live with faith, patience and a grace that could only come from God" I couldn't say it any better.

Lindy, your life is a testament to who we need to be as Christians.  We need to live in JOY and FIGHT to stay alive, so we can spread the love of Christ to those around us.  I can't imagine how great it feels to be cancer free friend.  You are whole, healthy and more alive than any of us here on earth.  We miss you so much.  You have touched so many people here friend.  I know that when you took your last breath here, you then heard the words "Well done, good and faithful servant" and fell into the everlasting arms of Jesus.  Breathe deep my friend, you are home and one day we will all be together again.  Come Lord Jesus Come!

Please continue to pray for Dustin, Brooklyn, Samantha and Maxwell who walk through their home without their wife and mother filling every inch with her love.  Pray for her parents Mel and Lois and her brother Claire as they crave to be with her again.  Pray for her dear friend Jill who never left her side through the treatments, appointments and long car rides.

I can't imagine what her embrace with God felt like. Well done, good and faithful servant!