Got back late last night from my cousin Monica's funeral in Little Rock. Some of you know that because of a rare virus, she had been paralyzed from the neck down for five and a half years. Monica Keathley was an amazing person, and it's hard to stop thinking about her.
From her two tours as a missionary in Africa to her final work with the Arkansas State Baptist Association, her life was all about witnessing for God. Even when she was in intensive care, unable to move, she insisted on having a sign on the wall where everyone who passed by could see it: "I serve an awesome God."
The most touching part of her funeral service was watching the video of one of her solo performances in the quartet "One Accord," which she founded. Seeing her singing, moving, praising, was a blessing. I'm so happy that she's suffering no more.
The other part of Monica's story is her sister Leslie, who with husband Bob, gave up their 20-year business (a cross stitch and framing store) in Bolivar, their home, and their friends, to move to Little Rock to care for Monica. In all this time, Leslie had only left Monica's side to travel back to Bolivar for her mother's funeral. She will always be a hero in my eyes.
It's been an emotional few days. It's always difficult to understand how someone so good and so faithful can be inflicted with so much pain. For my adult life, Romans 8:28 has been my favorite Scripture. I've been repeating it over and over the past few days.
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6 comments:
I am deeply sorry for your loss and truly grateful for the very heart-touching story that you have shared with us.... My thoughts and prayers are with you and with Monica's other family members! My Aunt set out on her journey to Heaven a little over a week ago and I can't help but to think that God is arranging a council of some very amazing, strong and determined ladies (your cousin & my aunt) to help with getting Heaven all ready for the rest of us.... Sending some extra HUGS to you for this emotional time as you seek out peace and comfort...
It is refreshing to hear you stand strong in your faith and share your story. Thank you for posting this for those who are followers of Christ and those who are not, may they be inspired to seek Him.
It is refreshing to see you share you story and your faith that is helping you through such a hard time. Thank you for sharing this to be an example to those who are Christ followers and those who are not, may they be inspired to seek Him.
My heart breaks for your family but I'm rejoicing with you that she is whole and sitting at Jesus feet even now. What a wonderful legacy Monica left and God bless Leslie and her husband for their dedicated service. This family truly walked out the word of God.
~Rebecca
I'm so sorry about the loss of your cousin. Her story made me cry. What an amazing woman.
Thank you all so much for your heartfelt expressions of sympathy. That means a great deal to us. -- Debbie
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