"LOVE LIKE LINDA" (pt. 1)

"And now abides Faith, Hope, Love, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.

1 Cor. 13:13

"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

" her great Faith"

My wife Cherrie and I,have the privilege of calling Linda and Jonathan Cassidy, not only family, but friends. For most of my adult life, we have experienced life together. Life's most joyful times, and it's trials and troubles, always knowing that we could count on each others prayers, love and support. This is one of the most trying of those times. Cherrie's sister, Linda, went home to be with the Lord. Linda and I would often joke back and forth. Linda would often say, "Tommy, you know I'm your favorite sister-in-law". I would respond with comments like, "my choices are thin", or "consider my alternatives".( I know I'll hear about that from Cherrie's sisters, LOL). The last time she said that to me, I looked at her with a serious and stern look,and said, "sorry Lin, you're not my favorite sister-in law". The look of sadness quickly changed to a smile as I said, with a grin, "you're one of my favorite people"! A remarkable woman of God.

In her tribute, her family encouraged everyone to "live like Linda". A beautiful sentiment, and a great thought, also a great challenge. To "live like Linda" means to "love like Linda". Linda is a rare individual, who, if you spent time with her, you were a better person for it, I know I was. In order to "love like Linda", we should understand what drives her to such unequivocal and unconditional love. Her Faith, in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior.

Her Faith in the Lord, was unwavering thru out her life. She praised Him at all times, and trusted Him even more so in adversity. Thru out life, the heartache of the loss of loved ones, battling and beating cancer, and in this last and final fight, Linda stood strong,and courageous. Prayer was the cord,that connected her Faith to the power of God's Love.

Linda was a relentless prayer warrior. If she said she was praying for you, it wasn't a cliche, or kind thought to comfort you, you could count on it. When Linda prayed, you could be sure of two things, your need was brought before the Lord, and, as my little grandson would pray, "Lord, beat up the devil!" No matter what the need was, she didn't need to know the details, she just knew you needed prayer, and new exactly the right words to pray.

During this last battle, we stood with Linda, in Faith, for a miracle. Though we didn't see a miracle of deliverance from this illness, let's not overlook the miracle of endurance, being able to endure in this battle, by Faith and Grace. Her last night, in the hospital, several of her family were there visiting, including several members of my family. At the end of the visit, she asked me to pray for her. I asked her "Linda what do you want thru this, we'll stand with you in agreement for anything you want, we'll hold you up during this and never give up." Her reply exemplified her immense Faith, "whatever the Lord's will is." I was moved by such a display of Faith and trust, even in the face of death. I asked her to pray for us, again, knowing that the prayers of this righteous woman of God avails much, and was what all of us needed . Her prayer brought a sense of peace , that surpassed the understanding of her situation. We'll miss that.

If we are to "Love like Linda" let us remember, that the Love she has shown to all she made contact with, is the Love of God in her, being expressed thru her. Yes, "love like Linda", what a way to honor her, and glorify the Lord, remembering the foundation of "her great Faith".