The words of my husband...
A very dear friend of ours, Katie, died last night. Her condition of recurring tumors had required several very long and painful surgeries and therapies over the last four years that resulted in her face being severely disfigured and caused other health complications. She was a very strong-willed person, tenacious and unrelenting in her battle.
She leaves a dedicated and loving husband, Jeff. They married just this past year after nearly 7 years in a relationship. He has been with her through it all, every step of the way, sacrificing much.
We must "count the cost" before becoming a Christian. Katie was a Christian and I know she was challenged in her faith many times, wondering why she was going through such an ordeal.
C.S. Lewis wonderfully stated his belief that the Lord says to us, "Make no mistake, if you let Me, I will make you perfect. The moment you put yourself into My hands, that is what you are in for. Nothing less, or other, than that. You have free will, and if you choose, you can push Me away. But if you do not push Me away, understand that I am going to see the job through. Whatever suffering it may cost you in your earthly life, whatever inconceivable purification it may cost you after death, whatever it cost Me, I will never rest, not let you rest, until you are literally perfect - until my Father can say without reservation that He is well pleased with you, as He said He was pleased with Me. This I can do and will do. But I will do nothing less."
Katie finally surrendered her body last night and I believe her heart was wholly surrendered to Our Lord. Today, and for eternity, I have faith that Katie is now perfect and that God is well pleased.
Please pray for Jeff and their families.
