Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)
5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:5-6 NIV)Eight years ago, in a room full of amazing women, I shared my story of how God called me to start this non-profit ministry. I didn't know her before that day, I'll never forget her now. It was a fast friendship. She wanted to help, and did she ever! She introduced me to people who could also help, she opened doors of opportunity and escorted me through them, she generously gave and encouraged others to do the same, and she had great compassion on the oppressed and poor. Our friendship grew and while she served professionally on my Board of Directors at Hospitality House, that was only one facet of the gem she was to me. I was motherless, she was daughter less. She still had some mothering to give, I still had a lot to learn. So in our times together, I would listen for the wisdom that she would share. Sure, she gave advice on business, non-profits, networking in Tulsa, etc. She taught me to love Plan B! (That's the plan you start to love when your Plan A doesn't quite work out. LOL!)
But the lessons I cherished the most were the lessons on faith, family, and friendships. She was an amazing wife to Dave, a wonderful mother to 3 men, and a proud grandmother to her precious grandchildren. She always spoke highly of her family. She was a friend to so many people. When you became friends with Clydella, you became lifelong friends. She didn't let her friends go, ever! She restored my faith and trust in having close girlfriends. I was able to observe her relationship with her girlfriends at Children's Medical Charities Association, especially the Thursday morning gals. The real Steel Magnolias. It was special!
It was her relationship with Christ that shined through every relationship she had. She loved our Lord with all her being, in thought, in word, and in deed. It was her strong faith in God that ministered to me many days. She was very much a 'Paul' in my life, and I was a "Timothy".
This last year, her health began to fail her, but her Lord never did. I saw her for the last time on Monday afternoon as she rested, a treasured goodbye. Tuesday night, she slipped away from her earthly body and was escorted into the presence of God. She fought the good fight, she ran the race well, and she finished well! She carried the torch of generosity, philanthropy, compassion, and ministry for so many in the Tulsa area and beyond. It is our honor, privilege, and responsibility, to continue to carry that torch. She left a God - glorifying legacy! Thank you, Clydella, for all you've done for so many in our community and for our Lord.
