Life is short, no matter how long you live on this earth. The Bible compares our life to a vapor that soon passes. That moment that seems so important to us today will soon become just a memory.
If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know that each year on the anniversary of Vicki’s home-going, I post a tribute to her life.
There is no way that I have the vocabulary to adequately honor her life and the talents, abilities, and gifts she brought to this earth during her short time. To say that I was blessed to have known her and to be a part of her life would be a monumental understatement.
As I reflect today in a mirror of memories, I am reminded of how blessed I was to have been a part of her life on this earth.
Her life was one of beauty, and her outer beauty was matched only by her inner beauty. When God created her, He truly created a masterpiece.
During her life, Vicki wore many hats — wife, mother, school teacher, worship leader, Bible teacher, and realtor, among others. Though each of these jobs demanded different skills, the underlying thread that flowed through each was her goal to help someone else, to lift someone to a higher level, and to make a positive difference in their life.
With all of the titles and jobs she had, she often remarked that she felt her highest calling was to be a mother. And when our children were born, there was no doubt that calling became apparent.
There was never any confusion or discussion of her priorities in her life — God was first.
Her life was dedicated to helping others, and the only thing that was more important was the life that she lived for Christ, while always striving to allow Christ to live through her. Her life was a reflection of God’s love, and she made sure to make this a priority no matter what hat she was wearing.
Her legacy still lives today through those children who came through her classroom. For many of those children, her love was the first time in their young lives they had ever experienced anyone really loving them. Her teaching was far more than just books, pencils and paper. There is no doubt in my mind that there are some of her students today that still remember Mrs. Lowe and the impact she had on their lives.
Her legacy lives on through our children, Melody and Matt. The foundation of God and His attributes that she built in their young lives has proved over and over to be strong and stable in their adulthood. She taught them about God, but more importantly, she modeled a Godly life in front of them.
Her legacy lives on through so many who were touched and impacted by her life in the churches she ministered in. Whether through her music, or through her teaching, or simply through her smile, she had an uncanny ability to touch people’s lives, not just at a head-level, but at a heart-level.
Her life, her love, and her legacy continue to impact the lives of those who knew her.
Vicki may be missing from the earth, but she is more alive today than she has ever been.
The world is a better place today because of Vicki’s life, and I am a better person because I was privileged to know her and experience life with her.
Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
As I look in the mirror of the past, the mourning has given way to memories — memories of the good times, memories of joyful occasions, memories to be treasured.
Sometimes it seems like a lifetime away, and sometimes it seems like yesterday.
We all live, and we all die.
But the end is not good-bye.
The sun comes up, and seasons change.
And through it all, love remains.
Hope lives on, and love remains.
Still Believing!
Ray, you’ve written another touching tribute to your beautiful Vicki. I wish I could have known her. Your words cause me to pause and feel the impact of my “losses” again. Death cuts so deeply that a lifetime isn’t long enough to recover completely. Love leaves its mark on us, but in time, when memories bring more smiles than tears, we begin to see all that we had rather than all that we lost. I sensed that in your words. Thanking God for fellow travelers, for the Helper and for Heaven. 💜🙌💜
Thank you, Cynthia.
This is so well done! And, makes me wish I had known her.
For several years, I spoke to women’s groups, led ladies retreats and taught Bible study classes on the topic, “Life is a Vapor!”
Then, the Biblical Counseling ministry that the Lord clearly gave me came under immense spiritual attack… while we were attempting to discover what my health issues were.
You know you’re doing something right when the enemy is relentless in attempting to stop you at all costs!
I miss all of this Kingdom work! But, I’m… still believing!
Thank you, Sherri!
Hope you’re doing better.
You are more than a conqueror!
Yes, don’t ever stop believing.
Such a beautiful tribute, Ray!
Thank you, Gwen!
Very beautiful. Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your life with her. I enjoyed getting to know her through your beautiful memorial. She left a beautiful legacy and what a gift to be able to have such amazing memories to reflect upon. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Mandy!
So beautifully written.
What a wonderful tribute and so touching. I think of Vicki often and I’m so thankful I got to know her even if it was for just a little bit.
Thank you, Alice.
Ohhhh Ray! What a precious tribute to your beautiful wife! How I wish I could have known her!
Vicky had a sweet spirit and a gentle way when she spoke to you. I remember her giving me some advice and it’s like she was teaching me through her words. Vicky was a very elegant sophisticated lady. She knew how to carry herself and she knew how to dress.
I also remember how she loved her baby girl and Husband and took care of their every need.
Vicki will forever be missed. I know I will see her again.
I love you Ray and prayers are with you.
Janice Newman
Thank you, Janice!
Great memories.
Love you, too.
Ray you have me in tears… 😭 What a touching tribute to your beautiful wife.
I know we would have been fast friends!
To know a love like that is truly a gift from God! Hugs and blessings brother!
Aww, thank you, Linette.
I feel the same way. I know you two would have been best friends immediately.
Appreciate you.
Blessings!
Wow, what a beautiful tribute to your wife, Vicki Ray! I am a school teacher too and I know that the love we invest in our students is never wasted. It’s so much easier build than the repair adults and it sounds like she loved many children into the kingdom. Thank you for sharing this beautiful glimpse of her life. She is someone I would’ve liked to know and be friends with.
Thank you, Maria.
Thank you, Maria!
Ray as I read your memories of Vicky it made me cry because of losing such a precious friend who was so loved and respected . Your words described her so perfectly, her smile and her laughter will always be in my heart. Her very helpful, kind words when I was dealing with heartbreak and fear brought a peace.God blessed her with love for all. I’ll see her someday and once again hear that sweet voice.. you’re an amazing husband.
Thank you, Lynn!