Beth's Brain Today

So, I'm thinking about a couple of my friends today, who died over the weekend, and just wanted to write a little something about them.

Janet Madden was a member of my church over at Morningside, was my lay leader, worship assistant, and filled the pulpit whenever I needed her to. She was incredibly faithful in her church participation and leadership... never said "no" or "I can't right now" or "I'm too busy". She always said "SURE!" and did an amazing job. What a positive attitude. She also wasn't afraid to speak up or take a stand for what was right... or against what was wrong. Folks loved her, and accepted her leadership. She helped me chill out when I became an instant mom of a 4 yr old who didn't speak English. She provided my son with his first "hero"... her son, Josh. She was so obviously proud of her daughter, Jennifer, even when she wasn't quite sure about Jennifer's choices. She taught me a lot about unconditional love. Janet died from a stroke brought on by epileptic seizures. As I prepare to help with her funeral today... I keep thinking I'm going to see her, today. I get little bursts of happiness when I think about being with her family in her church at Fellowship... but then I remember she won't be there... except in spirit, of course. She always did me proud when she filled my pulpit.... I hope I do her proud today.

Kathy Rubottom was a friend who needed a pastor during her last couple of months in Shreveport... thinking they were her last couple of months alive. She chose me. That was nearly 2 years ago. The doctors had given her 2 months to live... inoperable brain cancer. They said she'd be in a nursing home pretty quickly. She packed up and sold her house here, so she could move up to Missouri with her mom, to be near her sister, too. She only just went in the nursing home last month. Got a call a little bit ago... Kathy Ru died. She had a beautiful spirit. She was real about facing death. She didn't "put on a brave face"... she was brave. She was sad, too. But she accepted her fate with grace and peace, and made sure her salvation was intact. She took care of things, and faced each day... not with reckless abandon that one might expect of a dying young person... but with deep, abiding love of life and friends and family. We shared a bond... we just clicked. It was good. She was awesome.

That's where I am today.

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