my eulogy for betty

Betty Bristol was, and is, a gift to all those who knew her, and to the world.

I had the honor of meeting Betty and her husband Matt when God made Richmond, Virginia their mission field. A group of young adults would gather in their home weekly to discuss sermons, dig deep into scripture, and experience true fellowship. This time, for our beautiful and wise leaders, was about sharpening us and teaching us - cultivating us to embrace the world as our mission field. Three years ago, I had no idea how God was using Betty in my life to equip me to be sent out one day – to be deliberate in prayer and action in the hope that the World would know the Love of Christ.

One of the most beautiful things I saw in Betty was the way she allowed the Spirit to dwell within her – embraced it – let it take control from her. So much so that being loved by Betty Bristol was, on some level, being loved by God, because He poured out His love upon so many people through her. People that knew Him, people who didn’t – but the Spirit dwelling inside of her was so strong it was unmistakable.  In her reliance on the Lord and standing firm in His word, Betty lived out humility. Her words were prayers that came through her lips, but from the heart of God. It is no wonder that, through her, so many met Christ.

Because of the way I saw Betty love and honor Matt, I will one day be a better wife. Because of the witness she was for Christ, I will share the gospel more boldly – here, and one day as a missionary to the world – wherever I am sent. Because of her thirst for the Word of God and His wisdom, I have learned how to better seek the same. Because I was able to witness her embracing even cancer as a blessing, and accepting the Lord’s plan with such grace, I understand what it means to rejoice in my sufferings.

Sweet Betty, it is an honor to have known you. You are so loved, and so missed. But, how beautiful is the grace of God that He will allow us to see each other again. We can’t wait until that day. We love you.