There are two "bookends," however, that are so beautiful and special to me that I think it important to share with others. Both "bookends" are named Becky, both died from cancer, and both have had a tremendous impact upon my life even though I never met them.
Becky May was the 3 year-old daughter of a childhood friend/classmate, Connie (Rowe) May. Becky's story will tap deep inside your soul. My family and many in our church family at the time took this journey with the Mays inasmuch as was possible over a distance of some 300 miles. Our refrigerator held Becky's pictures, our prayers contained pleas for God's help, and my Bible and journal were stained with tears as we interceded on behalf of this precious little girl, her mom and dad, and everyone who knew and loved her. On December 16, 2007 at 7:49 pm, Becky received her ultimate healing as she was carried into the arms of Jesus.
Never had I so followed in such detail someone's walk through the valley, never had I wept and prayed as I did in those days, and never had I come to love someone so much who I had never met (besides the Lord Jesus Christ). The moment-by-moment grace given to Connie, Robert and their family was something to behold. God used Becky May, and her family's willingness to share their journey with others, in so many ways in my life, but none more than to make me compassionate towards the hurting.
Becky Black was the wife of one of my former seminary professors, David Allen Black. Becky's story, written in her own words, will stir your spirit. Miss Becky and "Brother Dave" both invited others to join them on this journey, in which God's faithfulness was put on glorious display with each agonizing pain and answered prayer. Never had I heard such honesty, seen such transparency, and known such resolve to trust the Lord, no matter how difficult the journey. Her focus was not upon her own body, but upon the body of Christ, especially her spiritual brothers and sisters in Ethiopia, among whom she was raised and had served for many years. And even as her health deteriorated, she became impassioned for the people of India. Becky's heart burned for the nations, that they might know Jesus in the most personal and powerful way, and nothing, not even cancer, was going to extinguish this flame.
Becky Black knew she was running to home base, and crossed the finish line on November 2, 2013 at 6:55 am, safe into the arms of her Redeemer and Healer. God used Becky Black, as well as Brother Dave's blog, in so many ways in my life, but none more than to make me committed to helping others follow Jesus.
Becky May was the first "bookend" in my life of truly interceding for others, what I call an ATM (Across The Miles) ministry. Becky Black is the most recent. There are certain to be more bookends for my library because I absolutely love books, and there are certain to be more bookends for my life because God loves me...and you, and the world.
Won't you allow the Lord to bring a "bookend" or two into your life? Sure, you will hurt deeply, cry frequently, and plead fervently , but when all is said and done, if you will trust Him on behalf of the ones for whom you are interceding, you will learn to love people you may never meet this side of heaven, you will grow in Christ-likeness, and you will worship the One who is worthy to be praised. And you will get to embrace your "Beckys" in glory!
Who knows, perhaps beneath our "trees" this Christmas we just might find some "bookends." What a precious gift this would be!
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