One year later...
Missing her and thanking God for the blessing of a friend named Liz...
***
Originally posted June 12, 2011
She had beaten it.
The outlook was good.
The future was full of hope and promise.
No one expected that phone call; the phone call that transformed a routine Saturday afternoon of errands into a time of sobbing, grieving, and beginning to process life and death...all over again.
Our dear friend, Liz, finished the race yesterday.
She always did show us how it was done.
She set the pace...for all of us.
And now she's crossed that final finish line into the loving arms of her heavenly Father.
And as I wrote nearly a year ago, Liz wants nothing more than for hearts to be directed to Jesus.
She wants her loved ones---and there are many---to know His saving grace.
She taught me how to live.
She taught me how to remain sweet when life is bitter.
She taught me how to keep my eyes on Jesus when faced with trials of many kinds.
And she reminded me through life and death that God is still good.
Thank you, Liz, for your consistent example...your grace...your strength.
I am so thankful God gave me you for all these years.
I love you, my friend, and I miss you.
{Below is the tribute I wrote for Liz 11 months ago, July 2010}
My friend, Liz, is in a fight.
Missing her and thanking God for the blessing of a friend named Liz...
***
Originally posted June 12, 2011
She had beaten it.
The outlook was good.
The future was full of hope and promise.
No one expected that phone call; the phone call that transformed a routine Saturday afternoon of errands into a time of sobbing, grieving, and beginning to process life and death...all over again.
Our dear friend, Liz, finished the race yesterday.
She always did show us how it was done.
She set the pace...for all of us.
And now she's crossed that final finish line into the loving arms of her heavenly Father.
And as I wrote nearly a year ago, Liz wants nothing more than for hearts to be directed to Jesus.
She wants her loved ones---and there are many---to know His saving grace.
She taught me how to live.
She taught me how to remain sweet when life is bitter.
She taught me how to keep my eyes on Jesus when faced with trials of many kinds.
And she reminded me through life and death that God is still good.
Thank you, Liz, for your consistent example...your grace...your strength.
I am so thankful God gave me you for all these years.
I love you, my friend, and I miss you.
{Below is the tribute I wrote for Liz 11 months ago, July 2010}
My friend, Liz, is in a fight.
a fight against cancer.
On the eve of her surgery, there are a few knowns.
On the eve of her surgery, there are a few knowns.
and a lot of unknowns.
But let me tell you what I know:
But let me tell you what I know:
I met her over 12 years ago, shortly after she'd been on a missions trip.
Her life was forever, radically changed on that trip.
For it was there that she met Jesus.
She's never been the same.
Jesus changed her from the inside out.
He changed her values. her goals. her passions.
He changed everything about her and
placed in her a heart that beats solely for Him.
We've worked together in youth ministry.
We've worked in the kitchen, cooking side by side.
We've run together. biked together. walked together.
And let me tell you this:
She is strong.
Oh, is she strong.
Even after receiving her initial cancer diagnosis,
she completed her second triathlon.
Her strength, endurance, and determination
often put me to shame.
Her faith is sure and steadfast.
Even when faced with trials,
her eyes have remained firmly fixed on her Savior.
And as she prepares for tomorrow's surgery,
she wants nothing more than
for God to be honored and glorified.
She wants a watching world---
family, friends, medical staff, co-workers---
to see that her God is
worth more than life.
And cancer or no cancer,
He is good.
So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." John 11:3-4
So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." John 11:3-4
6 comments:
Thanks, Nikki.
Beautifully stated.
I had no idea :(
I don't know Liz very well --- but I do feel I know her better now after reading this beautiful post. We'll continue to pray for her, and whatever else we can do to come along side her during this time. God is faithful and I pray she senses His loving arms surrounding her.
Bless your heart. So much grief. (((Nik))) I especially loved this part: "She taught me how to remain sweet when life is bitter." Liz must have been an amazing friend. You wrote a beautiful tribute.
Oh, Nikki...another friend being called Home. I wish I could give you a big hug and have some tea with you, but know that there's lots of love being sent your way!!
While rejoicing that your friend is with her Saviour, I know you are also grieving the loss of her presence. (((Nikki))) I'm so sorry, friend, and I will be praying.
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