This year my church lost the wife of our former pastor. She led a long, full life, but no matter how old someone is when they pass, we still miss them and consider it a great loss. I will always remember her for her gracious smile and greetings every Sunday. I still look for her as I leave the sanctuary, even though I know she is not there. I see her faithful husband sitting in their usual seats, surrounded by people that make sure he is not alone. She was a pillar of our church for many, many years. She will always be remembered.
I went to the funeral, and frankly, it was probably one of the best church services I had been to in years, as the message and music was so inspiring. Yes, tears were shed by loved ones over the loss of their matriarch, but stories that made people laugh were shared as well. But perhaps what amazed me most of all was how loving this family was. "In-laws" spoke about how they were "welcomed in" and were so "appreciative to marry in to such an incredible family". It made me envious and caused me to experience a pang of pain, because that has never been my experience and it is something I have wanted my entire life: a real, loving Christian family. Yes, my nuclear family is great! God has been so good. But I always wanted this big, loving, happy, Christian external family and instead I received insanity, betrayal, greed, and turmoil. I know my experience is not unique so I shouldn't feel sorry for myself, after all that's why so many people dread dinner around the Thanksgiving table. But it's hard when you do see an extended family that got it so right, and you wonder "Why couldn't it have been your family?" . I do know as a Christian that God has given me that loving external family in His church, the body of Christ, but I still feel I missed out, especially when the holidays roll around.
So we celebrated this amazing woman's life who somehow managed to keep a huge family of three generations together who loved and cared for each other; that is incredible, and what a testimony. As my family grows, I pray that is my legacy too! Here is the card I made for the dear husband who was left behind as his wife continued on to glory.
Because the recipient of the card was male and a former pastor I chose a cross for my main image and I used neutral colors. The cross is from a retired Spellbinder's set called "Crosses Two". It is no longer in production, but you can find it on Amazon.
I cut the intricate cross out first with a metallic silver paper, then I cut the background cross out with shiny gold Paper.
The sentiment is also gold metallic and it was pre-printed on a sheet that I just cut out.
I kept the design simple because the recipient was male, but also because I wanted the image of the cross to do all the talking. Our beloved pastor's wife is now in heaven because of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and her acceptance of that sacrifice. She is no longer in pain, she can walk again without using a walker, she is in His presence experiencing sheer joy. Hallelujah!
Have A Great Day! Amy
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