Ragamuffin Gal

".. from my ragged heart to yours"

July 13, 2009

A Beautiful Friend & Her Beautiful Story!



Dear Friends,


I want to introduce you to my friend Linda and her story.

Even if we had not joined our hearts together as
sisters in Christ friends,
I would have still noticed her around our school building.
Linda is one of those beautifully spirited persons
whose very presence lights up a room as well as
our whole school building. You can just tell she is full of light
and goodness even before she flashes her dazzling smile.

My first reaction when I heard she was sick would be
... Oh no, .. not precious Linda.
In a mere weekend Linda, and all of her teaching buddies
and school friends, would learn that she had developed
a brain tumor. You can read about her story here.
The heartache that began soon afterwards was no match
for the heart lifting that followed ~ Linda has faced this
devastating news and the serious round of treatments
with a steadiness, graciousness, unwavoring faith.
(of which I have never seen before - even
in all the years as a pastor's wife holding hands
and sharing moments of others who were
in the midst of suffering)

It can only be described as an amazing
supernatural feat of courage, optimism, and servanthood.
Servanthood you ask?

As I spent the day with her awhile ago,
Linda put it this way:

The Lord carried the cross for me,
the least I can do is be faithful
as I carry this illness.

Her illness has given her a chance to minister to all of us.
So I am giving you her Caring Bridge address here ~
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lindanoble/mystory
so that you too can be lifted up by this incredible
beautiful woman of God.

If you live near Springfield, Mo and would like to join
a group of people in helping Linda and her family with expenses ~
here is a fun and healthy way to do it.
Click here for the registration form for Linda's 5k run/walk.

It is also OK to just send in the registration form
with your entry fee even if you cannot run or walk that day.
I will be glad to pick up your t-shirt and mail it to you
personally at my expense!

This is a great way to help out a wonderfully inspiring gal.
Even if you cannot do this, please pray for Linda.
And

Visit Linda's journal!
you will be inspired and encouraged!
God Bless you Sweet Linda ~ we love you so much!

Blessings,
Katie

6 comments:

Mrs. E said...

Breaks my heart, but I love the resilience of the positive spirit!

Pam Aries said...

Ohh..Katie,, this is an all too familiar story for me as one of my very best friends was diagnosed with a brain tumor 2 years ago,,sadly she passed away within 3 months of her diagnosis. She too was the sweetest most caring person,,, a veterinarian who loved and cared for animals. All of her friends were devastated. My heart is with you and Linda and her family! My prayers go out))))

Pam Aries said...

Are you still in Florida? what part?

Connie said...

Hi Katie, Thank you so much for your beautiful birdsong collage! IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL! Love the colors, the vintage images, birds, buttons, everything is gorgeous. I can't wait to hang it up! Your blog is wonderful too! I'm going to add you in my links. :) Blessings, Connie

aimee said...

i will be praying for your friend and her family. prayer is so powerful.
blessings,
aimee

Unknown said...

Wow, what a beautiful spirit she has..thanks for sharing...Melinda