“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2 ESV
I bought this piece of art at a craft show in Angel Fire, New Mexico at the First Baptist Church. Partly because I loved the artist and because I knew how hard it was to be the stranger. The artist was Susie Tate. One of those people that always had a smile and just wasn’t afraid to let the world see her heart for Jesus. She was the daycare director who loved on my little dude and helped him learn about Paul Bunyan and how to trim his eyelashes. So really he was just so quick she never saw him do it and was so afraid I would be upset. I wasn’t. He likes to cut things.
Susie died this past Friday and my heart broke. She was one of those people you just connect with. She was so easy to talk to and so fun to be around. Even in her struggles she exuded joy and faith. We prayed, cried and laughed a lot together. We connected and I wanted to be able to show joy like she did. She was there when we faced some struggles and just knew how to be in your presence without you feeling like you had to entertain or work to be social.
For the past couple of years Susie has been sending me notes of encouragement through Instagram. Shared pictures of faith and reminders that even in the hard times we serve a big God. Literally the day before she died she was still trying to encourage. I had no idea she was sick and so her death was a bit of a shock.
When God puts people together the connection doesn’t ever stop. The joy of knowing that one day I will see her again is so wonderful. That doesn’t make knowing she is gone any easier though. Because I knew that no matter where I was if I needed her voice I could call or send a message and get a smile.
Today I was blessed to hear from her daughter. Another beautiful joy filled reminder of her amazing life. She told me I could steal a picture to put with my blog because I knew I needed to process. I really can’t thank God enough for blessing me with the knowing of someone like Susie. I can’t wait to see her again.
Thank you Mikki for letting me share this. I look forward to seeing you grow to be even more like her every day. Love you Susie and will most definitely miss you. I know you are so happy to be with the Jesus you loved so much.
