Who is catching your faith?

I was reading a devotional this morning posing the question: “Who is Catching Your Faith?” It made me think about a friend who has influenced my walk and how she impacts others. As a matter of fact, when I grow up (or as my son would say… if I grow up) I want to be like Jean. Jean is 81 years young and her faith stuns me. Her joy tickles my heart. Everything about her comforts and her sweet face lights up a room. I can’t even tell you when we became friends because I believe it was the first time I met her around ten years ago.

Jean is so connected to God that she radiates his light and presence in her wondrous demeanor. Sure, she’s had her share of heartaches: the mysterious death of a son, the recent loss of her husband, her sight deteriorating and now her home of 40 years burned to the ground in our recent Fallbrook fires.

Last week when she was pruning trees left on the untouched part of her acreage, a team of social workers from San Diego visited her to see if she needed any counseling since the devastating Fallbrook fires tore through our town leaving so much destruction in its torrid path. She met them at the top of the property, smiled and suggested they look around at what the Lord was doing since the rain came to restore nature. She, in essence, proclaimed God’s goodness in all that she still had left, told them she was just fine, everything was humming along as far as the rebuild… and she was blessed and grateful. Wow, what a trooper! By the time they left they asked her if she would like to speak at the fire survivors’ meeting they were planning.

Jean accepted this disaster just like everything else in her life – filled with faith and new possibilities. She rejoices that one of her sons accepted Christ as his Savior when volunteers from Samaritan’s Purse gave the invitation as they were sifting through the remains of her home. Jean said she’d watch the house burn down three times if it meant salvation for her son. She also said she had 40 years in that house to think about everything she’d change and now she is going to have her chance. Shortly after the fires, Jean picked up her Bible and opened to a verse that said God himself will rebuild your house (2 Samuel 7:27) and all her trust is in God doing just that!

Being with Jean makes me realize how all things (homes, loved ones and health) will pass away except our faith. I know Jean’s sweet and special spirit will praise our Lord for all eternity. I thank God for Jean, who instills hope and sunshine into the hearts of all of us who love her dearly. Jean impacts so many and personally makes me want to be a better person. Thank you, Jean, precious one of God, for the inspiration and hope you give this world in dire need of such wonder.