legacy.

i met Ms Debbie last year.
she always had a smile on her face and always gave hugs to everyone.
she was the kind of genuine that i can only hope to be.
she got excited when talking about Jesus and what He had done for her.
she was the first person to tell you that she wasn't perfect, but redeemed.
she carried herself with dignity and lived passionately for the Lord.
the joy of the Lord was her strength.

on Christmas Eve 2012, Ms Debbie met her Savior face-to-face for the first time.
she is worshipping Jesus with the angels in Heaven now.

this past saturday, her family had a memorial service/celebration of her life.
i'm not sure how many people came, but my church (that seats like 300-ish people) was PACKED.
as people shared what she had done for them, i couldn't help but get choked up.
her big heart and welcoming arms will be missed.

while i don't understand WHY, i know it was her time.
God called her home.

i want to live by the same generosity and nonjudgemental attitude.
i want to live with open arms and a transparent heart.
i want to trust God even when it's hard.
i want the Joy of the Lord to be my strength.
just like Ms Debbie.