We get so wrapped up in the world around us… so wrapped up in our passions and perspectives that sometimes we lose sight of what’s most important. And then… some days… something makes us stop. Something puts all else in perspective.
For me, that’s my sister.
Nicole is amazing. Granted, she would be far more humble than me about that statement — she’s always been more humble (… even though she can’t edit my blog posts). 🙂 She’s sweet and silly and gentle and generous. She’s faithful and fun and lights up the room. She’s brave and beautiful, and her positive attitude has always spurred on those of us around her. I love that girl…
Early Monday morning, my 34 year old sister lost her courageous battle with cancer. It’s hard for me to pen this post.
I will simply share three thoughts — insights that I think Nicole would undoubtedly, still be humble about, but ok with her big sister sharing — granted, smiling at me with that shy, contagious grin — one more, precious time…
One… too often we focus on things of lesser importance; we make a big deal about way too much. I thank God that one of the special ways Nicole sharpened me this year was to keep what’s most important, most important. Don’t let little things get in the way. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t be inviting of conflict nor accepting of disrespect. We were created for better and more.
Two… faith matters; what we believe matters. Nicole loved Jesus. To all who seek him, to all who turn in his direction, Jesus offers unparalleled, peace-giving promises — promises we can bank on. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. You can bet I’m banking on those promises now.
And three… as my sister so beautifully taught through her selfless example, we can always be hopeful and positive. Our obstacles should never diminish this gift of life; the pain should instead point us to the truth — as opposed to us getting too wrapped up in all those lesser, self-prioritized passions and perspectives.
When Nicole began her battle with cancer a little over a year ago, she started a blog to give her many friends a “transparent peek” into her journey. She called her blog “Faith Hope Shine,” as it was important to Nicole to allow her light to shine even then. She was still encouraging those of us around her.
She wrote, “Feel free to join us in the days to come, as we begin this journey — sharing our faith, holding onto our hope, and shining… no matter what.”
That’s my sister. That’s Nicole… shining…
Did I mention amazing, too?
I thank God for my sister… and for how through her, he has again shown me what’s most important.
With truth in my tears…
AR
So so good. What a legacy she left. So glad there is truth in those tears. Awesome. I’m jealous of the tour Nicole is taking today….so glad I’ll get to meet her and call her friend someday.
Ann – I think I would have loved to know your sister based upon what you have written about her. Thanks for sharing a bit of her with us, and huge hugs to you following your loss. xoxo
Nicole has always been a walking light. So yes, she does shine. I see clearly and unrestricted, because of her.
Goodness, Ann. I am in tears reading this post. Because of the beauty in your words, the memory of her life, and the testimony of God’s faithfulness…all wrapped up into one. And because of the deep sorrow that you and your family are experiencing. From one sister (in Christ) to another…I am mourning with you now. And praying for supernatural peace as your family continues mourning this loss. Love ya!!
Nicole’s CUZ from far away but close in heart. My heart is heavy for a cuz I did not know personally but only had the opportunity to meet Nicole through her Faith Hope Shine blogs. She was an inspiration to this old cuz of hers. Being in Bogotá Colombia for almost 22 years now I have missed my share of family funeral celebrations. I celebrate now today from far way but close in spirit because for many of the family we are one in spirit with our loving Father, whom Nicole is standing besides right now. She probably heard the words,”Well done good and faithful servant” this past Monday morning. Hugs to Nicole’s family and mine from the long arms of God’s loving arms.
Your words are beautiful and so true. Her life is an example of light and selflessness, her smile always infectious and she just glowed with a joyous spirit. We were blessed to have her as a part of our lives.
Ann- What a beautiful tribute to your sister. She was everything you expressed and I feel blessed and thankful that I got to call her our “daughter”. Thank you for sharing her with us even if too short a time. God blessed the Smith family!! Lifting your family up in prayer…see you soon.
♡
Lifting you up in prayer also.
Ann, your tribute is inspiring. Your sister Nicole, my cousin would be so pleased by your beautiful tribute. She is shining in heaven now and has passed the torch of the Good News of Jesus on to us to share. Your witness to our hope in Jesus is encouraging and humbling. May our Heavenly Father wrap you and our entire family in His loving arms at this difficult time. Sending prayers for you and also our love.
Ann, what I love best about this is your ALIVE description of your sister. So often we speak in past tense about our loved ones who have gone before us, forgetting that God made us unique masterpieces for an eternity. Nicole IS not WAS the smiling, fun loving, humble, faith-filled, Jesus-loving woman she has always been. And she is as close as the room next door. Isn’t that so AMAZING?!
Ann, your sister loved like your youngest son loves, in surprising and unexpected ways. Nicole loved you as much as you loved her. Though her body was filled with hurt her faith made her whole.
May you find peace and comfort in your perpetual faith. Thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
Dear Ann, I feel for your incredible loss. I lost my sister-in-laws hen she was 38. She left behind an eight and twelve year old. My daughter was five days old and her death never seemed to end. It was hard felt and tragic- there were issues that weren’t truly resolved and relationships that never were mended. The difference it makes when someone loves Jesus and lives for him and others is seen most clearly during times like this. My prayers are with you and your family. Love Kelly
I love this so much.