“I think that God will never send,
A gift so precious as a friend.”
-- Rosalie Carter

Friends are precious gifts, aren’t they?  I have friends of all ages, and I am thankful for each and every one of them.

Ms. Sue lived simply.  She didn’t have a lot of money.  She worked hard as a single lady much of her adult life.  Her only income in her final years was Social Security.  She lived for many years at the AHEPA apartments, housing for senior citizens on a fixed income.  Her apartment one was one bedroom apartment with a small kitchen, bathroom, and living area.  Visitors were welcome in that small apartment.  She opened her heart and her home to all those who entered.  It was a wonderful blessing to be in her home and in her life.

Ms. Sue laughed often.  Ms. Sue loved to laugh and she laughed often.  Her friends recall: “She was quick-witted and funny.”  “She could give and take with the best of them.”  “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).  I loved to laugh with Ms. Sue.  We all did.  She brought such joy to our hearts.  Being with and laughing with others made her feel better, too.

Ms. Sue loved deeply.  Freda Butts said of her: “Her love for others was BIG.  She loved BIG.”  She was small in stature (under 5 ft. tall) but she loved BIG.  My daughter Britney wrote about Ms. Sue: “I’ll forever love that little bitty lady with a big ol’ heart!  [I’m] thankful for all of our time together and for all the memories we shared.”

I read a statement this morning: “There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family.”  I want to add one more: “And then there are forever friends who compose a forever family.”

Because of Christ, we can become part of God’s forever family (the church).  Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we can be saved (1 Peter 2:24).  Those who accept His offer are added to His family, the church (Acts 2:41, 47).  The relationships that we share in Christ last forever, for heaven is the eternal home of God’s children (1 Peter 1:3-5).

God will save from sin, add to His forever family, and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

P.S. In loving memory of Sudie Cade (May 21, 1922 – November 9, 2021).  I look forward to seeing you again, my forever friend.

David A. Sargent, Minister

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

Archived issues of Living Water can be viewed and accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org