Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – I Corinthians 15:58b NIV
Last week one of the women who attended our church died unexpectedly. Melinda was twenty-five years old, but had suffered with terrible seizures from birth, which affected her mental capacity. Just two days before her death, she brought me a picture torn out of a coloring book. She had filled the page with scribbles of bright blue, red, and green crayon.
Although she never knew it, Melinda taught me about being consistent. She never missed a church service. I know there were times when she didn’t feel her best, but she persevered. Have there been times I stayed home from church even though I could easily have gone?
Melinda was caring. In the last couple of years, she had acquired a job in a program for people with special needs. Every Thursday night in our midweek service, when the pastor asked for prayer requests, Melinda’s hand shot up and stayed there until he called on her – even if it was ten minutes later! When called upon, she’d request prayer for someone from work. How sensitive am I to the needs of those around me?
Melinda was a Christian. Even though she had a difficult time understanding the sermons, she came forward periodically to have the pastor pray for her. She’d say, “I need Jesus in my heart” every time. And every time, we’d pray with her. She had such a desire to serve God the best way she could. Oh, that the rest of us would be so desirous of a close relationship with Jesus!
At the funeral, the pastor read a short tribute written by Melinda’s sister, Jeanne. “Melinda never let life get her down. Her greatest accomplishment has just been achieved. She is now face to face with the One who died for her.”
A seizure took Melinda’s life on earth, but I have no doubt she lives on in heaven. I’ll keep my work of art by Melinda in my Bible to remind me to be a consistent and caring Christian.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for those You bring into our lives who teach us to be better Christians. I pray I will be faithful in my walk with You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
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4 comments:
Melinda understood the scriptures more than you think. That is why she was there. Maybe she couldn't express herself verbally, but she understood the need for Jesus in her heart, proven by her mere presence and her desire to say prayers for others.
Yes! Our actions tell the true tale, don't they? Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Donna
I think we've all had a Melinda in our lives at one time or another. It's like God has sprinkled the earth with Melinda's less we forget how a Christian should live. I sat here after reading this and immediately thought of this woman Eva, who attended the same church as I did growing up. She was a Melinda. A Consistent Christian! Thanks Donna for helping me not only remember Ms Eva, but how I want to live.
Queen Jaw Jaw
http://www.queenjawjaw.com
The Queen of Experiences
Donna,
Read your article and was reminded of the child-like faith of the Heartlights (special need adults) class at our church. They have a simple faith that never quits.
Blessings,
Dotsie Bregel
Join me in the forums at, www.boomerwomenspeak.com, and see how wise, warm, and witty baby boomer women are connecting, encouraging, and supporting one another every day.
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