With a Heavy Heart…

I spent Friday morning and part of the afternoon attending the home going service (aka–funeral) for someone who was special to me. Evangelist Linda passed away Saturday before last, after battling cancer for several years. I’ve mentioned my church in past posts, Mt. Calvary AME Church in Towson, MD, and for me, Minister Linda was a big part of that church. You also could argue that she was an integral part of my joining Mt. Calvary.

Three years ago, I went to an 8am service and felt the spirit move me to join. Minister Linda came over to me when the doors of the church were opened and I declined, that day. The following week, I went back. That Sunday, I decided to join. The lady in front of me offered to walk with me to the altar and we only got about 2 steps before Minister Linda came and got me. I always say, “she walked with me,” and if for no other reason, she will always be special to me for that.

As time I went on, I got to know her a little better. I attended a few evangelism ministry meetings and learned that while marketing was not her profession, she had such a talent for it. So much so, that during one meeting I told her she needed to get into the field. Thankfully, she didn’t listen to me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my profession and the world of marketing–but Minister Linda touched more lives with her dedication to the Lord, her dancing, and her work with children than anything she could’ve accomplished in the field of marketing; she clearly knew her place in the world better than I.

I can truly say that I am glad her suffering is over and that she can be at peace now. I’m sure that she didn’t want to leave her family and friends behind, most of all her husband and 2 children. She touched my life more than I think I ever expressed and I know that now as she dances in Heaven, what I didn’t say while she was here on earth, she knows what was in my heart. She once asked if I would help her start a blog and of course, I told her yes. Unfortunately, we didn’t make that happen so I think it’s only fitting that I blog about her.

She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful spirit and I will miss her. I had a thought after the services today that now, she’s in Heaven with my mother. I can’t think of a better place for them to meet. Two incredible women who loved the Lord and weren’t afraid to outwardly share that love with the world. I love and miss you both.