Proverbs 26:17 "a man sharpeneth the countenance of a friend."
I am a better person because of my friend, Sereta.
We were acquainted only by church gatherings for years. Our talking was only impersonal conversation because we were different ages, a very long distance apart and had little common ground. I knew she had a beautiful smile and an angelic voice. I respected and admired her for what little I knew about her.
About 12 years ago or so, she and I shared lunch with several other ladies at our Church National Campmeeting. I was at a personal, emotional crises and nervous collapse in my life. Sereta had just discovered she was probably facing a future dealing with cancer in her life. She shared her testimony of present fears and past healings. It was powerful in that it was a strong witness of her faith and confidence in God.
Understand, I had dear friends and supportive family who had walked me through some very difficult and dark days. I was able to attend this summer event only because of their prayers and care for me.
But something about this dear lady and her words touched and challenged me. Somehow, in the remaining days on the grounds, we connected with each other. It was like we were both at a needy time and that drew us together.
Sereta and I lived thousands of miles apart, so we had minimal face to face contact. But a strong bond developed between the two of us through calls and notes. After we both became familiar with texting!!! We used that as our main means of keeping in touch. For twelve years, we have supported and encouraged one another and developed a very uncommon friendship.
What a friend she was! I needed her positive approach to life. She was always grateful for what God had done and praising him for what He was going to do!
I loved her "Praise" language. How many times it lifted me up!! I contribute a good part of my emotional healing to her strengthening my faith that God was going to bring me through!!
She was a creative person. We never were privileged much to share our creativity with each other except through writing. But she was so talented in sewing and creating beauty around her by everything she touched.
Her singing was not only beautiful, but inspirational. She and her family blessed me and others through years of wonderful harmony and meaningful songs. I will not ever sing their songs without seeing her shining countenance and hearing her clear voice!!
God did so many miracles in Sereta's life. She asked God for healing; and if not that: extended life to raise her children. God gave her those years. So many times, God eased her pain. She was able to live a pretty fulfilled life for most of her time here on earth. God saw her as so worthy of this!!
Most of us remember Sereta as also very straightforward. She had a no nonsense approach to life that impressed everyone. Her love was unconditional, yet always challenging and inviting change and moving up and on.
I rejoice with Sereta that she has attained her goal. But I still grieve for my loss. My tomorrows seem emptier because I miss her. She had become a part of my life that I cherished so much. She impacted me in a way that was unique to my needs and filled a void in my life that no one else could have filled.
This woman taught me so much about friendship. I know I wasn't the only one she affected by her reaching out and giving of herself. I have listened to so many others who felt her love. I learned that a good friend isn't selective. They will give and listen to many people and have friends everywhere that feel like they're distinct in a connection with them. The beauty of friendship is that you have provided comfort and shared with each other and made others feel like they have a special friend!!
Sereta, you were a true friend! Goodbye, and Thank you!!!
