This past weekend, we attended the memorial service for one of the most loving, caring women I have known. I met Ann nearly thirty years through my husband. She was his colleague and she became my mentor and supervisor while I completed practicum hours for my counseling degree. Ann always had a smile. She always made time when I needed to consult or just chat and she always had words of wisdom to share with me. Often over the years, when I faced a difficult situation, I asked myself, “If I were talking to Ann about this, what would she tell me?”

Ann loved the Lord and trusted Him completely. I never remember her become frazzled or worried about things, even when they didn’t seem to be working out the way they should. When she saw a need, she worked to find a solution that also created peace and harmony among all those involved. She was creative and knew how to say things – even hard things – in ways that were easy to understand without blaming or shaming others. She served the Lord with her whole heart. She loved God’s word, knew the treasure it held and lived by its principles. 

I wasn’t surprised by hymns at Ann’s service. They were dispersed in the order service. “The Old Rugged Cross” is a favorite of many older Christians. It tells of the pain and agony our Savior suffered at Calvary in order to provide a way of salvation for the inhabitants of the world. It reminds us that in the midst of His agony, our lives were forever changed. “Jesus Loves Me” is a common children’s song. The first verse is one learned by youngsters around the world. The following verses explain that He loved, He loves, and He will love. The simple song makes the Savior’s love personal. And “Just As I Am” has been heard all around the world in large evangelism meetings as the hymn of invitation and the promise of acceptance. He turns no one away.

As I was thinking of Saturday’s hymns, these thoughts came to mind: When I fail and make mistakes, I go to the cross and He welcomes me. When I feel insecure and weak, I go to the cross and His arms are opened wide for me. When I am prideful and arrogant, I go to the cross and see His humility and willingness to be wounded for me. When I don’t use the gifts and talents He gives me, I go to the cross and He forgives. He went to Calvary for me knowing I would falter in my walk with Him. When the enemy tells me my past is too unredeemable, I run to the cross and see Truth who loves me. When others ignore me, disrespect me, or harm me, I go to the cross and lift my head to look into His loving eyes. He still loves me just as I am, even though others don’t. When I am misunderstood, I go to the place I will never completely understand and thank Him for His love, His mercy, and His grace. His kindness. His goodness. And His faithfulness. His arms are always open – to welcome me, to comfort me, to remind me that He loves me just as I am.  

Oh, Ann. Thank you for a life that reflected His love, His goodness, and His kindness. And thank you for this one last reminder – at the old rugged cross, Jesus loves me just as I am.  

Heavenly Father, Help me remember this important fact and share this good news with others. Help me love everyone I meet just as they are and introduce them to You and the old rugged cross where they can experience your love – just as they are.