There are many people who make a difference in who you are. Little snip-its of knowledge that are bestowed upon you as you mature and grow. Some stay close to your heart while others fall away. My Great-Aunt Margie was one of those women whose knowledge and wisdom stayed close to my heart.
She was a talkative woman, extremely opinionated, and passionate about two things, Politics and God. She made me laugh constantly with her sharp opinions, that most times I would completely agree with but would never have the guts to say out loud. She fought her arguments, but was always careful to listen to what others had to say. She never believed that she always had it right, which I think is a beautiful thing, she was always willing to learn something new.
Her passion for the Lord was beyond something that can be measured. My Uncle Dave at my Aunt's funeral ended that she would be greeted into heaving with the words, "Good job, Good and Faithful Servant" I believe that with all of my heart, she was a woman who constantly put others needs and desires above her own. She often would sacrifice her own time to help someone in need. She always had a smile as she served and never complained that she was doing everything. She spoke often of her love for her Savior and of His greatness. She never hesitated to share the Good News with those she met, even if it were just for a five minute conversation. She was passionate about living out her love for Christ.
The famous quote by St. Francis of Assisi describes my Aunt very well, "Preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary use words". She was a woman who you would know loves the Lord simply by watching her actions. You could tell she was a citizen of heaven far before her heart stopped beating. She knew the Lord and she desired for others to do the same.
I was extremely blessed to grow up with a Great-Aunt who viewed me as one of her grandchildren, someone she wanted to invest time and love into. She often told me how much she loved me, and would show tokens of her love by simple gestures of coming to important events like my Graduation party from High School, and sending little baskets of love and cookies down to me at APU. She participated in a few Mission to Mexico Trips with my church at home, and although she was the oldest person to attend these trips, she hungered for experiences to serve the Lord and to meet new people. She spent a lot of time on those trips with me, making tar babies and cooking the food. She attempted to set me up with her best friends grandson, and although that was quite possibly the most awkward blind date ever to be had by someone, it was her heart and desire for me to find a good, godly man who would take care of me and she wanted to be a part of God doing that in my life. She always had the best of intentions and the most contagious smile.
She was a woman who lived a Legacy. One that will not soon be forgotten. She was a woman of incredible wisdom and someone that I will be able to admire and learn from for the rest of my life. She may be gone, but I won't cry anymore for her. Francis Margaret Beraz knew exactly where she was going, into the Kingdom of Heaven to be with her first love, her Savior, Jesus Christ. She wouldn't want me to continue to cry for her because she is experiencing all that is important, a close, intimate relationship with the God of the Universe. I was astounded by her confidence and her strength in the Lord in her last days and all throughout her battle with cancer. Looking at her you never would have known that she was dying of cancer or that she was in pain. God was her comfort and strength. I am blessed to have been a part of her family and to have known the love she offered, because she only offered it out of the abundance that Christ had given her first.
Enjoy eternity with your loving Savior Aunt Margie, you will be missed, but you will shout of joy and praise when we one day meet again. I love you.
Aunt Debbie, Great-Aunt Margie, Uncle Dave, and Uncle Ron
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