I’ve always admired Diana. She’s the oldest of my 20+ cousins and has dedicated her life to caring for others. When I was young, she lived next door to our family, and was always so much fun! She knew lots of card games and always had great snacks. My siblings and I spent many happy evenings playing games or watching movies with her.
Diana was married to a church pastor, and she took her role as the pastor’s wife seriously, lovingly caring for those in their family of faith. Both of her parents had health issues as they aged, and Diana was their caregiver, taking them to doctor appointments and making sure they were comfortable. After both passed, Diana’s husband became ill, and she cared for him until he passed away. Then her brother became ill, and she moved into his home to care for him until he died. Because of her selfless care, all of them were able to remain at home almost the entire time they were ill.
Recently, Diana suffered another loss in the untimely death of her nephew, Allen, who visited her every day. Allen was one of those people who never met a stranger and brought light and love to everyone he knew. Allen suffered a heart attack at age 47 and left behind his wife and 3 children, and his Aunt Di.
I called Diana last week to see how she was doing, and she sounded amazingly good. I’d been concerned that she’d have trouble recovering from the shocking loss of Allen, but I needn’t have worried. You see, she has found something that keeps her on track, no matter what happens, and that’s her unwavering faith in God. She spoke of Allen’s faith and her certainty that he had immediately gone to be with Jesus that day he died. Although she misses Allen terribly, she has assurance she’ll see him again.
Diana has helped “Build a Better World” with her willingness to put the needs of others before her own. Philippians 2:4 tells us, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” When we look with open eyes and hearts, God will show us how we, too, can help “Build a Better World!” Who can you reach out to today?
– Susan Meharg, Assistant to Executive Pastors
