the impact of life

A life lived faithfully. Spent for the right reasons. Touching those in need and blessing those near and far. Such words describe, however minimally, our good friend Beverly "Betty" Wright, who recently left this world to be with her Lord. We celebrated her life last Sunday at Westside Christian Church (our former church), in Long Beach.

The auditorium was packed as we listened and shared together about the life of one woman who made such a difference in the lives of so many. Betty was a pillar of that congregation. Had been for years, as she served in just about any capacity necessary. Making sure the grounds were beautifully kept, contacting those in need, encouraging others around her (young and old), participating in leadership meetings, issues and decisions. Always smiling, always helpful, always positive. That's how I remember her.

Betty had a special place in our family's life. For several of the 12 years we served in the Philippines, she was our stateside representative. She took care of our banking (that couldn't have been much fun!), kept people updated about our situation, and was our link to sanity here at home. I know that more than once she went to the others in her Bible study to tell them that "Mike and Liz need more money for their lives and work." And then she would simply wait until the group provided what she thought was sufficient for the moment! Her concern for our well-being and ministry was obvious to us, and helped us feel that much more secure.

There's an apocryphal story that I know Betty liked (she told me so). It's about the Old Testament character, Enoch, of whom it's said did not taste death. Genesis 5 tells us that Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, for God took him away. The story is told that each day Enoch went out for his walk with God. Day after day they would walk and talk about so many different things. And at the end of each day, Enoch would return home. One day, Enoch and God had walked very far together, not noticing the day getting on because their time together was so rich. At the end of that day Enoch prepared to turn around, but God said, "Enoch, it is very late and you have walked very far. Why don't you come home with me tonight?" And so they simply kept walking together.

The same could be said of Betty. She walked with God, and He with her. He encouraged and challenged her, and was her comfort and guide as they navigated life together. It seems only fitting that at some point He looked at her and said, "Betty, my precious daughter, you've walked so far with me day after day, and now it's grown late. Why don't you just come home with me now?" And so she did.

Our loss, heaven's gain. A life well-spent, graciously given, poured out for the One she loved the most. We'll miss you, Betty, but we're grateful for your time with us. Because we're better people. We've seen God through you and it's made a difference in us.

Well done, good and faithful servant.