Into the Fire

I didn’t know Kristy Dykes. Never read her novels because most of them were too short for me, but I loved her take on romance: she was a passionate lady.

You noticed the “was”. Well, she still is, only now all that passion can be expressed to Jesus with gratitude for all the joy and painless, unconfused, wonder of perfect clarity. Kristy Dykes has graduated to the beauty of paradise, and this world has lost one of its best. A lady who remained joyful, hopeful, faithful, and triumphant even in a debilitating death march during the final days of struggle with the aggressive GBM brain cancer. She left us sometime July 21st, 2008.

I know some of you balk at “visions”, but whether you do or not, it was Sunday night or early Monday morning in my restless sleep when I pictured a large male-like figure carrying this limp woman with his head down, solemn, towards a “man” who, though He was crying, was eager to receive her. He reached out to take her from the angel and when she was transferred to His arms, her eyes opened and she smiled as He set her on her feet. She was whole, and He took His hands and gently grasped her neck, kissing her on her forehead. I had seen this last image once before at the beginning of the diagnosis, but now I see it occurred at the culmination of her wearying journey.

Such amazing class, grace, faithfulness, and perseverance this woman demonstrated during her end of life journey at such a young age. Reminds us that our days are numbered. Kristy was a bona fide Christian who loved God, served Jesus, and obeyed the Holy Spirit nearly her entire life. Yes, she had flaws just like the rest of us. But if you could find them at the end, I don’t see how. She taught me how to die. I can only hope if death lingers with me that I could demonstrate such incredible beauty and fortitude in the process. What a lesson she gave us all.

Father, I must rest in that her suffering and pain are over. Thank you for Kristy’s life which touched so, so many. Since she is now receiving perfect peace and blessing, I ask that you would comfort her husband, her children, and grandchildren as they have lost their precious one. Let her life remain in them and her legacy of service and devotion to you be a reminder to us all of how we are to participate in this time we have here. Keep them close to your heart as they grieve. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.