A Tribute of Friendship in the Death of a Loved One

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” (Proverbs 18:24, Message)

True friendship is a gift to be cherished and appreciated while it is present with us because tomorrow is not promised and “to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). God created us to be in relationship with others and ourselves in love. When we are favored to encounter a person of light, joy, and love who befriends us and shares their life openly and generously, it is cause for celebration, hope and thanksgiving.

God blessed me with such a treasured friendship in the body, mind and spirit of Jossie Fung, who I had the pleasure of knowing for five and one half years until He called her home on December 3, 2010 after a long bout with breast cancer. In spite of challenges, she was a Christ-like reflection overflowing in the fruits of the spirit onto all who came in contact with her. Our friendship compelled me to rise up to a high standard of love and strive to be a better friend as I struggled with how to cope with the reality of her condition.

In love and remembrance, I share a glimpse of her radiant light and our friendship through the following tribute expressed in an acronym and video photo slide.

J – Joyful and Jubilant

Jossie’s joy and smile was always evident such that you would never know that she was having any physical or emotional challenges in her life.

O – Open heart and Open home

Jossie was one of the first people I met at Crossroads Tabernacle church when I moved to the area. She embraced me with love and always invited me to her home and events.

S – Servant of excellence

Jossie served others with joy, love and excellence. She loved to cook and would make it a beautiful experience of fellowship and fine cuisine, presenting each dish like a gourmet meal in a first class restaurant.

S – Sister-friend personified

Jossie was my favorite most loving and generous friend. We were like teenage best friends forever whenever we were together; a divine connection of joy and comfort; faithful family.

I – Image of God

Jossie was an extension of God’s love towards me and others. I saw God in her inspiring presence.

E – Eternal Spirit

Jossie is forever with me. As a spiritual being having a human experience, her earthly journey has ended but I continue to entertain her spirit this side of heaven and will see her again on the other side through the unconditional love, forgiveness, and redemptive blood of Jesus Christ. For this I am abundantly grateful. This knowledge helps me cope with the loss of her phsical presence.

Be blessed,

Jo Anne Meekins
www.onsolidgroundpoetry.com
www.joannemeekins-inspired4u.com