Philippians 2: 14-16 – Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold onto the word of life…
I saw her over the fence as I was sitting in our courtyard area. Even from there, she radiated joy in her circumstances, and I just wanted to run to her. I had been struggling a bit not being able to get out to meet people as much as I had been able to in previous countries, but her heart just called out to me. I found out she lived only a few houses down and knew that GOD was opening the door for me to visit with her throughout this month.
Her name is Stella and she just shines beautifully. She is the only Christian in her family and continues to live a life that she prays will eventually assist in leading the rest of her family to Christ. She does it with her gentleness, her love, her actions, her words. She serves. And through her faith, she is filled.
It isn’t easy, and days are difficult. At the age of 53, she finds herself dying of cancer and though is faced with pain and discomfort, as her stomach is bloated and full of liquid looking as though she was pregnant, she cares for her mother and her grandson, she walks to the store on a daily basis, and she is nothing but hospitable and welcoming to those who visit her. She doesn’t complain, she prays. She doesn’t ask for anything, but really appreciates one’s time with her. She doesn’t close off or shut down, but shines with joy and smiles with thanks. She radiates GOD and HIS work in her life.
Communication with her is minimal as I haven’t really picked up on the Romanian language yet, but we do know and understand the phrase, “I love you”. We do pray together. And you know she laughs that I don’t wear shoes. GOD allows us to communicate simply. And I praise HIM for that. Her name is Stella, and it is such a fitting name.
