Example Of A Faith-Filled Life 

Last Thursday, we learnt the news that our sister and friend, Mablyn had gone to be with Jesus. She'd been a member of our church for a number of years, although over the last couple of years unable to attend due to illness. I had the honour to know Mablyn and consider her a good friend. There are some people you meet in life who you will always hold close as being an inspiration in your life.

Many of you know that Mablyn had been ill for some time and mostly house bound, though she never complained. Her faith in Jesus was so strong that she believed her life was in His hands and that He would look after her. Mablyn’s faith was central to who she was. She was an obedient daughter of Christ. One of her favourite Psalms was Psalm 139: "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar." She knew that she was loved.  Her trust and faith in God during her life was inspirational to those around her.

Mablyn also had this great smile. It was a smile of joy and laughter. You only have to see the photo of her to see her exuberant happiness and love of life. She was still creating joy and happiness when I visited her in the hospital that last week. Many of us I think would find it easy to slip into self pity and depression, but Mablyn kept smiling and laughing through whatever life sent her. Her firm faith in a "God of hope filled her with joy and peace as she trusted in Him." (Romans 15:13).

There was no one more special to Mablyn than her daughter Louise. She would talk for hours about Louise, and it was easy to see how much she loved her and what a lovely relationship they shared. Their closeness is an example of how the parent and child relationship should work. At the heart of their relationship was not only love for one another, but Jesus was ever present.

Mablyn loved people and having people around her. I think it was especially hard for her at times not to be able to attend church over the last couple of years. One of her favourite worship songs was Amazing Grace. There's a line in it about chains being broken. I like to think that Mablyn, your chains of illness are broken now and you are free to worship Jesus with all the joy you have.

Mablyn was one of those people that touched everyone she met. She certainly blessed my life in such a special way. We meet so many people in our lives, but Mablyn was one friend who stood above all others. She was a friend who built others up. I once thanked her for her guidance over my Christian life and how much she had given me. Her reply was, “you don't know how much you have given me”. For me, that sums Mablyn up.

Mablyn, you will never be forgotten and I for one can't wait to meet you again in our Lord's presence.