Welcome to Still Believing.
First and foremost, let me begin by stating that I do not consider myself to be a writer, in any shape or form. In fact, I remember so often in school when I would have a writing assignment, I would cringe, and struggle just to get to the number of required words or pages that were needed. Writing was definitely not my strong subject.
That being said, I have been journaling over the past few months, and have shared some of those items with friends, basically, just some thoughts and ideas, and several asked me about doing a blog. I really don’t consider myself even qualified for this, but after much thought and prayer, I have decided to use this format to attempt to share some of my experiences.
The title “Still Believing” was inspired by Vicki, my wife, the mother of my children, my companion, my best friend, my teacher, my business partner, my prayer partner, and love of my life. Friends and family, who knew what Vicki was dealing with would constantly ask her how she was doing. Her response became her standard answer, “I’m still believing.”
For some, those words may be nothing more than a nice cliche, but for Vicki, no truer words were ever spoken. There are a lot of people who can “talk the talk,” but precious few who can really “walk the walk.” For Vicki, “I’m still believing,” were not just hollow words. She “walked the walk,” every day, day in and day out, like no one I have ever known, and her faith and perseverance were unbelievably strong.
October 7, 2015, Vicki transitioned to the destiny, that she had lived for her entire life here on earth. In the first few weeks, I would often say that “I lost her.” I no longer use those words, for you see, I haven’t really lost her. She isn’t lost. I know, without a doubt, where she is.
Another phrase that I no longer use is “she passed away.” She didn’t “pass away,” she simply passed, or transitioned, into her new life.
When people describe Vicki and the characteristics that meant something to them, they often use such phrases as, “Vicki was so beautiful,” or “Vicki was so caring and loving,” or “Vicki was so kind.” I agreed, but one day a pastor friend of mine, reminded me not to speak of Vicki’s qualities and characteristics in the past tense, for you must understand, Vicki “is” beautiful, Vicki “is” caring and loving, Vicki “is” kind. Vicki is more alive today, than she has ever been, and every quality and characteristic that she had on this earth, she has even more of that today. She was, and is, a beautiful, extraordinary, amazing woman of God!
I really want this blog to be a memorial to Vicki and honor her, for the amazing legacy that she left.
My hope and my prayer is that those things that I share would, somehow, be hope to someone who feels hopeless, and help to someone who feels helpless. Please feel free to share this with your family, friends, or connections that, you feel, might want to be a part of this journey.
I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you in the coming weeks. I am so honored that you have taken the time to read this, and I welcome your comments, and thoughts, or questions. You may leave those at the end of the posts, or you may email me directly from the contact page, or ray@stillbelieving.org
If you have recently found yourself in a struggle, or going through a difficult time, whatever you do, don’t ever stop believing.
Still Believing!
I can’t wait to read your blog of “Still Believing”! Yours lives have been such a testimony! Love ya! Melissa
I have people in our church that have recently had loved ones go hometown glory and with your permission I will share this with them. You are still the best friend of my youth and only miles separate us.
Bless you bro.
Thank you, Larry. Please share any and all posts that you want. We had some good times. Love you, Bro.
Ray, that was just beautiful! You are a great writer, and I am so thankful that you have decided to share your gift with the world. Vicki is an amazing Godly woman, and I was (am) one of the blessed one’s to know her. I am really looking forward to reading your blog.
Hi Ray,
This is great we appreciate that you are sharing with us. Vicki is a great person and friend. I can’t wait to see her again. We love you and her dearly.
-blessings
Josh and Heather
Way to go, Ray!
Hi Ray,
It is so good to hear from you, and I’m delighted that God has laid it on your heart to write this blog.
The reminders of Vicki and her little colloquisms are so endearing. “Still Believing!” became her mantra.
For those who had the opportunity to study God’s Word with her, we miss her teaching. We miss her beautiful smile and experiencing her love for Jesus.
And, you are correct, Ray. She is more alive than she has ever been!
I second that Linda. I miss you all so much. And I miss her. Ray, I’m looking forward to this blog.
-Molly
it brings tears to my eyes when I think of Vicki. she was never hauty. she was sincere and kind. M and beautiful. we have so many of our loved ones/family up there. I can imagine she is up there with Herschel, fussing at him! Ha
I am so glad you are writing all of this down and sharing with others ! You and Vicki are such blessings in our lives and we love you both dearly !!! Nancy
Beautiful words Ray. As was Vickie. Thank you for being sensitive to God and sharing your thoughts. I know God will honor your writings and use your words to encourage many.
I look forward to following your blog, Ray. We have a broken relationship with one of our sons and can certainly stand to be encouraged some days.
When I worked at The Salvation Army their organization always celebrated a person’s “graduation to Glory.” I love that!
Vicki was and is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever known. I look forward to the day I can tell her that myself. She has always been an inspiration to me. She was Jesus with skin on at a time in my life when I needed it most. And I can still see her leading worship so lively and bubbly and so sincere. I will be reading your blog. It has blessed me!
Vicki is an awesome inspiration. She taught Sunday School to my wife and I at Radiant Life. Still remember as a prayer warrior for the cause of Christ. What a great day that will be at the Rapture of the Church.
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