The Sister God Gave Me

 

My dear friend and sister in the Lord, Linda Hooten

On August 4 almost fifty years ago, two beautiful baby girls were born. Who knew that they would become good friends? And who knew that their mothers would become good friends, too? That day, Linda and I met because we were in the same hospital room together after birthing those babies. 

 

She was so full of mercy, kindness, and the spirit of the Lord. She read her Bible and talked about the Lord like He was her friend. God touched my life through her beautiful spirit and she continued to touch me for almost fifty years. We studied the Bible together, prayed together, did church work together, and went through good times and bad times together. We remained good friends even though I moved away from her town thirty years ago. 

God never gave me a biological sister, but He gave me one when He brought Linda into my life that day. She's always been there for me, helped me, prayed with me and for me, and for my family. I'm heartbroken to think of my world without her in it. She was my sister, friend, mentor, prayer partner, and so much more. I could write a book about Linda and her good works in this world.

 

Linda passed away last Thursday, after a month and a half of battling leukemia.  It was so quick.  In early November he was diagnosed on a Thursday, went in the hospital on Friday, and stayed there until she passed away. With Covid, she couldn't have visitors and was too weak to talk on the phone, so I didn't get to see or talk with her through it all.  I know a grief like I've never known, and ask for your prayers, dear Gail-Friends...for me and for her family.   I wonder if this ache will ever go away. I loved her so much.

 

My love and prayers go out to her family members and friends.  She was one in a million and we were all touched by her life and her love for and service to her Savior, Yeshua.

How thankful we are to have the Good Shepherd with us as we walk through this dark valley -- and how thankful, too, for the blessed hope of seeing her again one day in heaven.