God is Good

“Many people ask me, ‘Why would God allow you to have cancer?’ My answer to them is, ‘Why not me?'”  Those are the words of a dear godly friend, Kathy Barker, who, as of Tuesday morning, is no longer dealing with cancer or the pain of it, because she has entered the presence of her Savior. 

People questioned her plight because Kathy was a rare breed.  She was one of the sweetest ladies I’ve known.  She was always gracious, giving other people the benefit of the doubt.  She had a contagious smile that was accompanied by the slight lift of her shoulders and a twinkle in her eye.  Kathy was always the same – at church, in the grocery store, or in the hospital.  She was always ready to ask about you when she was the one suffering. 

She never complained as she dealt with the “stuff” cancer brought to her body.  She’d simply say, “It’s going to be okay.  God is good.”  Yes, it is okay, and she’s experiencing God’s goodness face to face today. Kathy knew her God and it was obvious as she dealt with life…and death.   

She has left behind a legacy of her walk with God.  It is seen in her marriage to her husband, Gary.  They spent most of their time together.  They loved one another and it was obvious.  What a testimony that alone is.  They both worked at the VA hospital for many years, so they drove to work together, ate lunch together, came home together, and then spent the evening together.  You hardly saw one without the other.  She often wore his reading glasses when hers were left behind.  It was a bit comical looking, but proved the point that they “saw everything the same!”

Her godly legacy is also seen in her sons, who are godly young men with families of their own.  They are now teaching their children the faith that was passed down from their mother.  Isn’t that where we see if we’ve really made an impact on our children – when they pass it on to their own family?  She did.

Godliness was also evident in her encouragement of others.  She knew what to say to keep a person looking the right direction.  She often told me she was reading my blog and what she’d learned.  There have been many days when I sat wondering if I was doing any good in this particular ministry, that her words came to my heart and kept me writing. 

She wouldn’t want me to be writing this about her.  She would say something like, “I didn’t do anything.  It was all the Lord!  He is good!”  She may also point towards someone nearby and say, “That’s the person that needs to be remembered.  Aren’t they special?”

Kathy Barker, you are special.  We already miss your influence, your smile and your gracious spirit, but it won’t be long until we stand with you on heaven’s shore where we can say together, “Isn’t God good?”

Friend, whatever you are doing consistently is what others will call to mind about you when you’re gone – good or bad.  How will you be remembered?

With love,