Cheryl Kinyon
An old friend of mine is dying of cancer, it may be within the next 24 hours. I have known Cheryl from camp for over half my life. I've never been close to her, but I have always been aware of her. She and her husband, while certainly human beings like the rest of us, have been symbols of righteousness in my life.
No one is perfect of course. But in times like these, it's always the very best of people that remains in our memory. As it should be.
My memories of Cheryl are of a gentle, quiet, servant. Her silence was often because of the painful condition of her mouth area from a previous cancer battle. Her gentleness came from her own soul. I believe her servanthood came from the one who made her.
She and her husband lived in relative simplicity during the summer while they tended the grounds at MWBC. Her husband John tells me that the place is very much a part of their life together-it's where they met. It's where they have lived through a large part of their lives. A lot of the spirit which I feel in that place comes through them I think. They lay a foundation there that permeates every different week of camp. They are a Godly couple.
Because of her quietness, a lot of what I know about her came from her eyes. Her mind was not simple. There was a lot of understanding and perception in her, but of course, she did not have to let it out. Her actions showed me her inherent respect for the dignity of others. She may have not been a direct part of our activities at camp, but she saw the way God worked with us and let him.
She has watched me grow up along with her own kids. Though we never had a heart to heart, she knew my heart, and I think I know hers--or parts.
Though we, as campers and staff, were kind of like guests at the camp, I always felt welcome there. On one occasion, I was invited to be a part of her son's birthday party in their home. Along with a few other outsiders, we were able to be a part of the family for a time.
When I think about Cheryl, I think about true commitment. Commitment to her husband, commitment to camp, and commitment to God. I realize just how many people her life's ministry has touched. There are women there who have known her as a sister for long before I was born. They are sisters to her still. Her life has been steadfast.
When her new bought of cancer was discovered last summer, they were very open about it with the campers and staff. After John gracefully relayed the story of his life with Cheryl to us, he led us to the cabin to sing for her. All sensationalism aside, the event was touching. God's power can unite souls like no other.
The time was as much for us as it was for Cheryl. Simple ministry like singing has tremendous power when it comes from the heart. I don't believe there were any selfish souls, young or old, who were on the hill that day. Cheryl came out of the cabin to hear us as was so graceful. She did not begrudge us in any way. She simply took it in. At the end, some of the campers and staff were able to hug her goodbye, for we knew she was not going to be here next year.
Well, the time has finally come. Her physical suffering will end and she will be in the arms of her savior at last.
He loves her more than anyone else and I am thankful that he has let us have her for a lifetime.
The truth is, Jesus is waiting for us too. Everything we do here is about that moment when we see him. All he wants is to see the day when we come home. All he longs for is to embrace us. He loves us so much. I sometimes pray that my time would not be long and that God would not waste a minute. I can't wait to go home.
But I'm also grateful for the time I have here. I only pray for the strength to endure my lifetime to come. Suffering is a reality in this imperfect world, and I pray that when my time comes I will remember to look to him--because he is my purpose.
God bless Cheryl, her family and her friends. Open their eyes so that they would see your will and spirit in these events. Bring them closer and hold them tight.
Ease her passing if it is your will.
We all become God's messengers at different times--if we are open to his spirit. Cheryl certainly was for me.
No one is perfect of course. But in times like these, it's always the very best of people that remains in our memory. As it should be.
My memories of Cheryl are of a gentle, quiet, servant. Her silence was often because of the painful condition of her mouth area from a previous cancer battle. Her gentleness came from her own soul. I believe her servanthood came from the one who made her.
She and her husband lived in relative simplicity during the summer while they tended the grounds at MWBC. Her husband John tells me that the place is very much a part of their life together-it's where they met. It's where they have lived through a large part of their lives. A lot of the spirit which I feel in that place comes through them I think. They lay a foundation there that permeates every different week of camp. They are a Godly couple.
Because of her quietness, a lot of what I know about her came from her eyes. Her mind was not simple. There was a lot of understanding and perception in her, but of course, she did not have to let it out. Her actions showed me her inherent respect for the dignity of others. She may have not been a direct part of our activities at camp, but she saw the way God worked with us and let him.
She has watched me grow up along with her own kids. Though we never had a heart to heart, she knew my heart, and I think I know hers--or parts.
Though we, as campers and staff, were kind of like guests at the camp, I always felt welcome there. On one occasion, I was invited to be a part of her son's birthday party in their home. Along with a few other outsiders, we were able to be a part of the family for a time.
When I think about Cheryl, I think about true commitment. Commitment to her husband, commitment to camp, and commitment to God. I realize just how many people her life's ministry has touched. There are women there who have known her as a sister for long before I was born. They are sisters to her still. Her life has been steadfast.
When her new bought of cancer was discovered last summer, they were very open about it with the campers and staff. After John gracefully relayed the story of his life with Cheryl to us, he led us to the cabin to sing for her. All sensationalism aside, the event was touching. God's power can unite souls like no other.
The time was as much for us as it was for Cheryl. Simple ministry like singing has tremendous power when it comes from the heart. I don't believe there were any selfish souls, young or old, who were on the hill that day. Cheryl came out of the cabin to hear us as was so graceful. She did not begrudge us in any way. She simply took it in. At the end, some of the campers and staff were able to hug her goodbye, for we knew she was not going to be here next year.
Well, the time has finally come. Her physical suffering will end and she will be in the arms of her savior at last.
He loves her more than anyone else and I am thankful that he has let us have her for a lifetime.
The truth is, Jesus is waiting for us too. Everything we do here is about that moment when we see him. All he wants is to see the day when we come home. All he longs for is to embrace us. He loves us so much. I sometimes pray that my time would not be long and that God would not waste a minute. I can't wait to go home.
But I'm also grateful for the time I have here. I only pray for the strength to endure my lifetime to come. Suffering is a reality in this imperfect world, and I pray that when my time comes I will remember to look to him--because he is my purpose.
God bless Cheryl, her family and her friends. Open their eyes so that they would see your will and spirit in these events. Bring them closer and hold them tight.
Ease her passing if it is your will.
We all become God's messengers at different times--if we are open to his spirit. Cheryl certainly was for me.
posted by Your humble servant at 12:12 PM
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