Pastor's Blog
Another Cheering Voice in the Stands..... Posted 2.04.2010Her smile was sweet. Her voice even sweeter.
This weekend we bid farewell to Lydia Lunetta. She graced us in the twilight of her life. But she was surely a gift of God’s grace to us. She was quiet. Unassuming. In love with Jesus. In love with us. Even though it was late in life, Lydia attended (and enjoyed!) CLASS 101. She couldn’t wait to put down some roots in a church family she loved.
It was at 101 that I got a taste of her rich life. Her father was a Baptist pastor, and ministered in several Spanish speaking Baptist church across the southwest. Life took her – and the family – many places. For a while, it took them all to Spain, when her dad established businesses in Gibraltar and Malaga. In 1936 she found herself in the middle of the Spanish Civil War. She witnessed firsthand the devastation of the war, but fortunately, as American citizens, they were evacuated by the Red Cross and returned safely to the United States.
Not many probably knew Lydia. But as she got involved in ministries and a small group, she made a contribution, which today leaves a hole in many a heart. And that is a simple lesson to learn from her life. You can’t know everyone around here. But you can know some. You can make an impact for eternity by building some friendships with a small circle of folks. Lydia came to White Cross and ABC Café. Her daughter, Shirley Cutting, made sure of that. Lydia could be found twice a month helping create blankets for newborns or dolls or whatever the latest craft that Miriam hatched up.
Lydia could also be found every Friday morning gathering with a small group of ladies studying God’s Word and praying for each other. She was in a Community Group. And that has endeared her to those in the group. She encouraged them. She loved them. And they loved her.
You see, even in the final chapter of life, you can make a difference. But you do have to get out of the chair at home and get involved. Whatever your skill set, there is a place to use those skills for God’s glory in building the Kingdom. There is a story to be told, but you have to be willing to tell it.
In the last three years of life, Lydia made some friendships that will pass the test of eternity. She loved her Lord and followed Him even through the dark valley of the end of life. And those were not easy days. But just as God’s hand were seen as she escaped General Franco in Spain, she saw God’s care in the valley of the shadow of death. And us? We have been touched by her warm smile and deep faith. She has joined the heavenly throng of witnesses cheering us across the finish line.
She calls us to run to win. And so we shall.
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