Streams of Mercy

A phone call came today, telling of the death of a member in my first church in central Virginia, and I set to remembering that dear friend and the blessing she was in my life. It’s been said that people come into our lives for a reason, or a season or a lifetime. I will remember the reason and that season we shared for a lifetime.

She was a person of strong faith, and she knew how to share her faith with others in ways that helped them to draw upon their own faith, and strengthen their hands in God. I was single-parenting two teen-agers and a middle schooler, and I came to appreciate her wisdom, strength and understanding. When I would come to a point, and be unable to see the way around or through, a visit with her would bring encouragement and hope. If I would feel “stuck” in my circumstances of the moment, she seemed always to know what to say or do to help me to get moving again.

Knowing I was from Kentucky, she learned that I had a special fondness for Apple Stack Cake. I don’t think she’d ever heard of one before, but one day she made one just for me! Her chicken salad was always a special treat for my girls. When the power was out and I had no water, she would call to say she had power and lots of hot water, and to come on over! The meals we shared, the visits we had with neighbors, the ways we worked together to help others, were a special part of my ministry in that special place.

Her care of her “special” son was a beautiful thing to see. She was a strong advocate for him and did all she could to make his life rich and full. A visit with him was always a part of our times together. I smile thinking of their joyful reunion, and I thank all her children for the joy their mother brought to my life.

I’m grateful our paths crossed on life’s journey and will carry a bit of the love we shared in my heart always. I give thanks for faithful ones who have been a part of my journey of life and faith, and for those streams of mercy, never ceasing!

Elizabeth