My friend Isabel passed away yesterday. She was diagnosed with liver cancer a couple of months ago and she had an operation which went really well, but her post-operation MRI scan revealed that the cancer had spread terminally and there wasn't much the doctors could do. Then she had a serious fall the other week, and was admitted to hospital and then moved to a hospice. And now she's in paradise with God.
Ever since I first heard that Isabel got diagnosed with cancer, I'd been praying for her and her family. They're still in my thoughts and prayers. I prayed for God's will to be done in her life, but with the caveat that His will be her full healing. I felt childish as I prayed that but I did it anyway, with all my heart. Clearly His will was for her to return home where she belongs, free from all the pain and suffering. I guess He wanted her to be with Him sooner.
Isabel was an inspirational woman of God. Throughout her battle with the cancer, she was positive and unwavering in her faith. She completely trusted in God's sovereignty over her life, and blessed everyone around her constantly. I remember one of her Facebook status updates that said something to the effect of, "I am not afraid of death, only of a life not lived for His glory." Wow. Her love for God brings tears to my eyes.
She was beautiful, both inside and out. You know how you secretly expect astonishingly good looking people to be kind of mean? Isabel definitely shattered this (perhaps questionable) stereotype. She was caring, kind and loving towards everyone. She was genuine too. And intelligent and deep. She'd frequently share her experiences and wisdom with us at Hasamo (the Korean Law Christian Group at Auckland University) and Veritas (the regular Law Christian Group at Auckland University), and she'd always have something awesome to say. She was head girl of her high school at 16 eh, pretty amazing.
Isabel had a great sense of humour, and she was very witty. We had the best times in Criminology class discussing our lecturer's fairly obvious toupee, and she'd never fail to crack me up when we hung out. And she was loved by many. She had an army of supporters praying for her these last couple of months, and we'll all miss her dearly. Her memorial service is in a few days. I wish I could attend but I guess all I can do is to continue to pray for her and her family.
My friend Kristy called me this morning, shocked about the news of Isabel's passing away (one of the executive members of the Auckland University Law Students Society sent out a message to students with the news). She didn't know Isabel too well but she was pretty emotional. I filled her in a little bit with what had happened, and she said, "I wish I'd talked to her more." I found myself wishing that too. I also wish I could have hung out with her one last time before she left. And I wish I could have received the big bear hug she promised she'd give me when I returned to New Zealand.
I've been grieving for Isabel, but I know that ultimately I'll be content with the fact that she's in heaven and that I'll see her again. I give praise to God and His sovereign will like she did, because I know and believe with all my heart that He is for us and not against us, that He wants what's best for us. And I give thanks to Him for blessing me with her presence in my life, it was a true privilege to have known her. I pray that when I face adversity and trial, that I'll be able to be even half the woman of God that she was, to completely trust in Him and genuinely pray for Him to use me for His work and glory.
Rest in peace Isabel, and see you again real soon.
God bless.
G.
