Really, life is all about walking in love.~Mary Lou Dayton

She has bright, quilted banners hanging on her walls that proclaim "peace" and "hope." Framed photos of loved ones artfully line her shelves. The screened-in porch is appointed with red cushions tied to wrought iron chairs. A pot of flowers sits on the table. Sunlight pours into her lovely apartment as we sit and talk. She is one of those people who makes direct eye contact when she listens. She hears and sees you. She remembers what you say. 

Dr. Gerry Ken Crete, author of Litanies of the Heart, describes a humble person like this: Humility consists in being precisely the person you actually are before God. We become down-to-earth and comfortable in our own skins. We no longer try to compete with everyone else, and we no longer need to be affirmed by everyone else. We realize we have many gifts and talents as well as limitations and weakneses. We don't try to be more or less than who we are. There is a tremendous amount of relief that comes with being humble. And there is a tremendous amount of relief in being with my friend who imbues this definition of humility.

My friend is bearing a difficult burden, a challenging diagnosis. She is suffering. She struggles to speak as we sit across from one another. Now in the midst of all her lovely art is medical equipment and numerous bottles of medication. I ask, "Perhaps I can read to you?"

She hands me her Bible. I open it and as I turn the pages I see numerous notations written in the margins, her handwriting elegant, graceful. I cry out, "How wonderful to have this Bible all these years, these notes preserved in your beautiful script." She nods, her eyes luminous, gleaming with intelligence. We look up various passages, She says in a labored whisper, "Psalm 23 is my favorite, the Lord always leading me by quiet waters." Then we move to Psalm 91. Psalm 28. Revelation 22. And as I read, I make declarations from the Word:

"Thank you, Lord, that you make us to lie down in green pastures, that your rod and staff comfort us. We are grateful that goodness and love follow us all our days."

"Lord we rejoice that your faithfulness is our shield and rampart--that under your wings we find refuge."

"We are grateful, Lord, that you invite us to come to you and take the free gift of the water of life. Yes, Lord, thank you for slaking our thirst."

"Thank you, Lord, that you hear our cry for mercy, that you are our strength. Thank you that you are our Shepherd and carry us forever."

We could feel the presence and radiance of the Lord sitting together in that light-filled apartment with the photos and the medical equipment and the banners on the walls. He sat with us. Then my friend said, "Look in the back of the Bible. There is a notecard there." It read, "We have the victory. The battle is the Lord's." 

My friend is a woman holding life loosely and gently in her hands. She continues to walk in love and humility, trusting her Savior in all things. Carried forever in His embrace.