What Mandy Has Taught Me

     It was a typical Tuesday morning.  I was busy working and trying to get my kids ready to begin our school day when, as scrolling through my Facebook,  a post caught my eye.  I had to read and re-read it.  My heart broke as it sunk in.  A dear woman of God and friend had gone to be with Jesus.  Her husband and two young children passed away with her that night.  Her older two kids survived, but now they would have to deal with losing their parents and siblings.  I couldn't believe a fire took their lives so quickly. The tears began to flow.  My kids saw my face and asked what was wrong.  I had to explain to them what had happened. 

    They didn't know this family personally but yet their hearts were saddened and they began to cry with me. They couldn't imagine going through such a difficult time.  They hugged each other a little tighter that day.  They were a little kinder to one another.  This family was impacting our home in a big way.  

     I met Mandy in 2013.  We were helpers on a online Bible study together.  Her passion for Christ was so amazing. You could feel her love for Jesus in every post.  In Fall of that same year we were able to meet in person at the WLW Conference.  I remember walking in and seeing her smiling face. She immediately ran over to hug me and my teen girls.  Her hugs were warm and you knew she genuinely loved you.  She was so real.  

      In 2014, I was privileged to write some blog posts for Mandy's website that she later named Worshipful Living.  We got to know each other more, and the more I knew her, the more I loved her.  Her servant's heart was amazing.  She would help me figure out things that I never thought I could learn.  She took time to explain things to me and she did it with such a kind spirit. She cared!  I always felt I could go to her with any question or prayer request and she would be there for me. 

     Mandy was a beautiful woman of God.  Her open and honest posts will always encourage me to be a better wife, mom, and friend.  I know she would want us to go on serving the Lord.  Her life should inspire us to keep shining our lights for Christ.  She touched the lives of so many.  We need to honor her memory by living a life pleasing to God just like she did.  She will be missed but never forgotten. 

     Please consider helping her family by donating to them through her church. This will go to her remaining two children to help provide for them. If you would like to give, here is the contact for that: 

 

Trinity Baptist Church
2003 Charleston Hwy.
Cayce, SC 29033

You can also donate via the Trinity’s website. 
http://www.tbccayce.com

To read more encouraging posts about how Mandy Kelly impacted lives, come over to The Awe Filled Homemaker and read through the post linked up there.