Sunday, December 20, 2009

My Christmas Angel's Song




Many of you know that on Feb. 14th of this year I lost my sweet Sister-in-law, Cindi. As I pleaded for prayers for her recovery you all sent up the sweetest harmony of prayers that any blogger could hope for. God had other plans and welcomed her into Heaven where I am sure that she is singing in the most amazing choir this year for Christmas.


I learned so many things from her in the short time that I was blessed to know her. I learned what joy looked like. I called her my Joy Bubble because she was infectious with it and it would rub off on those around her. I learned from her the difference of just being a Christian and being a Christian that is crazy in love with their Savior. She loved her Jesus. Perhaps it flowed from a heart that was so grateful for His forgiving grace for it was something that she clung to with all she had and to her it was a truly, "Amazing Grace," so sweet the sound that when she sang it you knew that she totally understood what that Grace was all about and the price that was paid to receive it.


You couldn't call her a saint. Like most of us there were things in her past that she cried over and wished weren't so. Perhaps that is why when she sang the song Alabaster Box,taking her long dark hair she would act as though she was truly wiping the feet of Jesus with her tears that would be rolling down her cheeks. The congregation would feel her spirit worship the Lord and join in to do the same. You always knew that Cindi wasn't singing to perform but she was truly singing to her Jesus.


I am writing this today because of the most important thing that Cindi's life taught me and that is the need for people to reconcile quickly with each other. Cindi was making plans to see her girls for her birthday which was only a month away from her death. Their relationship had the scars of divorce on it and she would cry to me as she told how much she loved them and was saddened by the past. I pray that they know how much she loved them. She was very proud of them I can assure you that. But what child having lost a parent doesn't just long for one more sweet word ?


Cindi had made a CD a few years ago. I remember the day I got it and the hours I spent listening to her beautiful voice. What you don't know about Cindi is that I would often call her and ask to hear whatever song she was working on for church. She always sang to me and we would have our own little worship service on the phone. She would sing and we would talk for hours about the Lord.


My brother and I listened to that CD as we prepared for her service and he made copies for those who were there. Somehow her daughter Sarah didn't get a copy. As I checked on Sarah over the next few weeks after her mother's passing and she told me that she didn't get a copy I told her I would send her my extra one, but when tearing up the house produced no extra copy, I knew that I would have to part with my original even if I didn't ever find the other one. Her girl needed her momma's voice. Well, that was March and just the other day I found the missing copy. At this point you must think I live in a pig pen but I had stuck it on my cookbook rack and I shouted out a hallelujah to the Lord for the found gift. My sweet Cindi's voice filled my Christmas clad kitchen and goosebumps covered my body as I listened to her sing. It was as though she was there singing to me my favorite Christmas song as she had over the phone lines only this time I felt an urgency to share this story and this song. I hope that you will enjoy our Christmas Angel's Song. The song is called The Angel Song by Chris Eaton and Cindi is singing it. Just click on The Angel Song. And I hope that this year you will give the gift of reconciliation to someone. Don't wait, please don't wait. We just don't know how quickly a life can be gone. Whether it is someone we know or our very own life. But just one more thing before I go. Reconciliation can also be something that you do between yourself and your God. Don't wait on that account either. Today may you experience the peace that comes from those decisions. May you understand the meaning of the Christ Child born to you today. By all means share this message and song if you would like. And a Very Merry Christmas to you, with all my heart!

18 comments:

A Southern Rose said...

Your post has really touched my heart this morning. I feel the love that you have for you sister in law in your words. I agree with you about reconciling with our family and friends. We just don't know how long we will have in this life to do that. Your post has really got me to thinking. I wanted to go and listen to her singing but I am having computer problems and I can only go in safe mode and the volume won't work on there. Hopefully I will have my computer fixed soon.

Take care and bless you and your family.
Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Jane said...

With tears in my eyes, I write this. Cindi was truly a blessing during her life...and now, beyond. Thank you so much for sharing her story and her beautiful voice. Reconciliation is so important...not only for us, but for those with whom we need to rebuild the bridges.

Becky, I am truly understanding you even more...Thank you, my dear friend, for sharing this incredible song...Cindi...and your heart.
Love you,
Jane

Deb said...

A wonderful post. God bless you!

Lenore said...

As I was reading your post, tears started running down my face. The love you have for your SIL is amazing.
May you and your family have a Blessed and loving Christmas.

Anonymous said...

I think my post kinda tied in with yours, forgiveness and reconciliation, two things that go hand in hand. Your SIL sounds like an amazing woman and it's no wonder Jesus called her home so soon. He needed her.

Merry Christmas.

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Devon said...

Oh Becky, you almost made me cry, i love you.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

What a sweet and loving post to her. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to let you know Becky that I listened to the song and she has the voice of an angel.

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

Carolyn said...

Hi Becky,
Cindi does indeed have the voice of an angel,I am glad you found your copy.Such a good message to all about reconciling as one never knows.
I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New year!
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

What beautiful memories. Really touched my heart while reading this post. Sp precious to be so close to God. Seems so hard to understand why they go young. I think they love God so much, we sometimes only have theme here for a short gifted time. Their memories and how they are sticks with us for ever.
Bless you so much this Christmas and so pleased you found the extra copy.

Hugs!

Julie

Beverly said...

Becky, this is exquisite. Your visit to me has given me more pleasure than you can know.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

May your life continue to be filled with God's blessings.

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Destination Seaborn said...

Hello, I'm coming over from Shabby Chic Cottage. Thank you for sharing the memory of your SIL with us. God bless you and your family during this Christmas and Holiday season! ~Lisa

Miss Gracie's House said...

I just wanted to stop in for a minute and say how glad I was to hear from you again...missed you! Have a very Merry Christmas! We'll have to get properly caught-up after christmas...
Rene'

A Southern Rose said...

Just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Polly said...

What a touching post! Merry Christmas Becky!

Polly

Debra@CommonGround said...

What a beautiful post about your beautiful s-i-l. Her voice truly is angelic, and how wonderful that you have her music to bless and comfort you. So glad you found the cd that was tucked safely away for you.
Hugs and blessings for the New Year,
Debra

Sharon~heartsongs said...

I haven't checked blogs for a couple of weeks, so I'm just now catching up.
I hope you are doing well. I have missed your blogs. The song is beautiful! Thank you for the post.

Garden Cats + Crafts said...

Hello from Germany,
what a wonderful blog you have and a beautiful house. I fell in love right there.
xoxo Birgit