I am saddened to hear about the passing of a sister that I was introduced to through blogging and later became friends with through Facebook. She was a great person who had the ability to draw people to her with her unique and humorous writing style. Although, many of us never met Nikki in person, we loved her dearly. A little while back Nikki became ill with a rare immune disease that attacked her lungs. I can recall her telling me that it was genetic and others in her family had been dealing with the same illness for years so who was she to be upset about having it too.
The one thing I can remember is how Nikki never complained and she kept her sense of humor even while she was in pain. In fact, it was pretty much a guaranteed laugh whenever she posted a status on her Facebook page. We often chatted online and I would joke with Nikki about a potential book where she could give accounts of her dating experiences which she often shared with her friends in such a hilarious way. We also shared some serious conversations where we talked about God, faith, and it being no mistake that we crossed paths. Several times Nikki said she thanked God for people like me that he had placed in her life to help her grow her faith. I will forever be thankful for having the opportunity to meet this sister virtually through divine order and having chances to speak into her life and pray for her.
My sadness for a sister I met through the airwaves has taught me so much in just a matter of hours. Love is universal and it transcends time and space. Whenever we are blessed to make connections with people that is God’s gift of love that is not to be taken for granted. In fact, he commands us to “…Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). I must admit, it was easy to love Nikki because she was lovable, but from this day forward I will challenge myself to love those who are not as lovable, those who do not put a smile on my face, as Nikki did. I am taking this challenge in honor of her but most importantly in obedience to God and as a commitment to be a disciple that others can see the love of God through. By the way, I love you!
The one thing I can remember is how Nikki never complained and she kept her sense of humor even while she was in pain. In fact, it was pretty much a guaranteed laugh whenever she posted a status on her Facebook page. We often chatted online and I would joke with Nikki about a potential book where she could give accounts of her dating experiences which she often shared with her friends in such a hilarious way. We also shared some serious conversations where we talked about God, faith, and it being no mistake that we crossed paths. Several times Nikki said she thanked God for people like me that he had placed in her life to help her grow her faith. I will forever be thankful for having the opportunity to meet this sister virtually through divine order and having chances to speak into her life and pray for her.
My sadness for a sister I met through the airwaves has taught me so much in just a matter of hours. Love is universal and it transcends time and space. Whenever we are blessed to make connections with people that is God’s gift of love that is not to be taken for granted. In fact, he commands us to “…Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). I must admit, it was easy to love Nikki because she was lovable, but from this day forward I will challenge myself to love those who are not as lovable, those who do not put a smile on my face, as Nikki did. I am taking this challenge in honor of her but most importantly in obedience to God and as a commitment to be a disciple that others can see the love of God through. By the way, I love you!
