"Beautiful Woman, Faithful Servant"

Early in 2011, I met one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.  She was supposed to be my patient, but instead became my friend.

After receiving report from the outgoing shift, I entered her room expecting to see someone much sicker than who I was now making eye contact with.  She was stunningly beautiful.  She had gorgeous eyes, and they were genuine, I could tell.  Her smile was bright, ear-to-ear, and she was much happier than someone as sick as she was should be!  Her smile lit up the room!  Immediately following our introductions, I remember asking her, (already knowing that there was only One who could bring THIS kind of peace to someone this sick), "What is it that keeps you going?"  And her answer was, "His name is JESUS!"   I remember laughing out loud and replying, "I KNEW IT!"  And that was the start of our friendship.

That day presented many opportunities for my new friend and I to chat.  She shared with me some of her struggles due to her health issues.  But one thing she shared with me has made such an impact on my life, that tonight, I decided it was time to share it.  I've told this story to countless people, but it's simply time it was written.

My friend told me, "Rita, I never mind coming to the hospital.  Yes, it's difficult.  But THIS is my mission field.  THIS is where God has placed me to reach people.  THIS is where He needs me each time I wind up in the hospital.  I'm just so happy that He uses me."  She then told me that she shares her faith with anyone she comes into contact with, and encouraged me by reminding me that I too, was in the same "mission field," even though my role may be as a health care provider, rather than as a patient.

Over the past four years, my friend and I have shared a friendship of prayers and encouragement.  And more often than I can remember I have encouraged patients who are believers, to realize the opportunities that lie in front of them to share Christ with everyone they come into contact with while they are in the hospital, with anyone who walks in their door!  What my friend shared with me that day became a word of encouragement not only for me, but for more people than I am able to recall.  The boldness to share the Good News of my Savior I now have is 100% attributable to the words of encouragement she shared with me that day.  I will never forget them, and I will never forget her.

Today, my friend's mission ended and the Lord brought her home.  So many people who, like me, were encouraged by her, are feeling an overwhelming sadness this evening.  But praise GOD, they DO know where she is!  She is no longer sick, and she is healthy and happy with our Savior.  I've no doubt, God placed her in my life, that day, for that reason - To encourage me so that I could encourage others.  Her mission on this earth may have ended, but I know I will see her again one day.  And I am SURE that today she heard her Savior say, "Well done,  my good and faithful Servant.  Well done!"