Missing a Friend

Cindy was a brilliant writer. She wrote three bible studies for FP4H over the years (God’s Purpose for You, Fit & Healthy Summer & Better Together). I remember this quote from God’s Purpose for You:

A few years ago, I decided to try an experiment: I would seek to satisfy my spiritual hunger before my physical. So, every morning, I woke up early to do my Bible study and prayer before breakfast. By noting in my journal one benefit from those sessions, I’ve been able to make food and eating a secondary focus in starting my day. God’s promises come first. Fast forward to today and it’s already a habit.

When we added video teaching with our studies, Cindy ended her teaching by singing a blessing over those watching. I will miss that. She served on our FP4H Advisory Council, sharing much wisdom. We will miss that.

We had a lot in common. We both loved quirky clothes, cowboy boots and funky eyeglasses. We shared a deep love for Jesus and each other. There are just a few friends in life with which you can share the hard things, receive the hard things, and love deeper. Cindy was a friend like that. We wept together over the death of a dear friend. We shared ministry struggles, church wounds, and spent countless hours planning events. Both being a little bossy, we agreed to speak the truth to one another in love. That was hard but drew us even closer. Friends like that make us better.

I will miss so much of Cindy. Her own writing sums up who she was on this earth and who she continues to be in the presence of Jesus.

From her book Soul Strong 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life:[1]

No matter what happens in my life, I live as a person of faith who knows how the story ends-God wins. And when my life on earth is finished, I rest in the assurance that I will see Jesus face to face. I also live each day in the way I want to be remembered and trust that my own story and legacy has made a difference in someone’s life. And for the kingdom.

Cindy, you did both.

Vicki Heath is the National Director of First Place for Health. Vicki is a certified fitness instructor for the American Council on Exercise, a certified life coach and Wellness Coordinator for her church in Edisto Beach, SC. Vicki is an author of the books Don’t Quit Get Fit, Wellness Journey of a Lifetime and My First Place. She strives to bring others into the Kingdom through health and wellness.

It would be such a blessing if you would share your memories of Cindy below.

[1] Soul Strong 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, New Hope Publishers, Birmingham, AL ISBN-13: 978-1-56309-327-2

 

 

 

[1] Soul Strong 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life, Lucinda Secrest McDowell, New Hope Publishers, Birmingham, AL ISBN-13: 978-1-56309-327-2