After today, I feel I know her much better. What I witnessed in person after person who stood up to share a story about Cindy is that she loved. Not only did she love others, she loved them like Jesus loved. Every person shared how she was always the first to welcome them somewhere, how she visited the elderly and the sick, how she showed hospitality to all. She sang with her siblings in a worship band, she played the violin, and even recorded albums. She shared her artistic gift with others not just through music, but also through her amazing artistic gift of painting. She made amazing floral arrangements. Several people commented how in all the hours they spent with her, they never heard her complain. Ever.
Many times we can question whether our lives are really making a difference to others. I can't speak for sure about Cindy, but if she was like most of us, she may have asked herself this question. Based on what I witnessed today, she made a major difference in the lives of those who had the honor to know her. She lived a life that was an example of Christ's love for others. And she made a difference in the life of her children.
As I mentioned, I know her son well. I first met Justin when we attended the same church many years ago. My first impression of him was ....he's the crazy guy dancing without restraint during worship. Now I see it is because of the unabandoned example he witnessed in his parents that he had the love of worship. We both went on a missions trip to Costa Rica and that is when our real friendship began. I saw him love on children who didn't speak the same language. I saw him give of himself to show Jesus to others. Not always when it was comfortable, but when it required sacrifice. Just like his Mom taught him. My daughters came to refer to him as "Uncle Justin" as he would come over often and be a friend to this single mom and her two kids. I think his love for children was probably also taught by his mom.
So what I know personally of Cindy, is the kind of man she raised. She succeeded in raising a son who loves Jesus and loves others, just as his mom taught him. For that, she has left a legacy to not just those who knew her, but to all those who know the son she raised. That is truly what leaving a legacy is about. Generations to come will rise up and call her blessed because of her love for the Lord. This is the legacy she has left and is the only one that matters.
Well done Cindy.
