I met Antonia, a quiet Hispanic woman, in the ICU waiting room of Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. My seventeen-month-old son was dying of bacterial meningitis and her infant son was dying from a congenital heart defect. As grieving mothers, we had a common bond but almost nothing else alike. She observed our church friends who gathered in a circle to pray with us, and one dear friend met Antonia and gave her a Spanish New Testament.
Within minutes after Jeffrey’s death, Antonia asked to speak with me privately. In broken, hesitant English, she said: “I see that you give your baby to the Lord. I want you to know that today, I give my baby to the Lord, too.” We hugged and cried together. Two weeks later I attended the memorial service for her baby, Jesse, and I asked Antonia to stay in touch.
While I had read the verses in I Thessalonians many times, I never considered the impact of seeing them lived out so clearly. Antonia read the New Testament, became a believer in Jesus Christ, and chose to believe every word of those verses. Her letters inspired and encouraged me.
Antonia moved from Dallas to the Rio Grande Valley where her husband was awaiting his job, but they and their two young daughters were living in their old, used station wagon. She wrote to say how God had blessed them because they were parked beneath an orange tree and had plenty to eat. She was thanking God. (give thanks in all circumstances).
Later, in another letter she explained that one day she didn’t have enough food to prepare a sack lunch for her husband. She prayed to God for help. Later that day, a strange man knocked on her cabin door and said, “Ma’am, I went fishing today and have this string of fish. Could you use some?” Antonia was so happy she exclaimed, “Yes!” She added, “Thanks to God, I fixed my husband’s lunch.” (Be joyful, pray continually).
When Antonia’s rent was due, she did not have the money, but the landlord agreed to wait a few days. Without telling anyone her need, Antonia prayed. Two days later, an unexpected check arrived in the mailbox that was enough to pay the rent. She was so thankful! Since the Holy Spirit indwelled Antonia’s heart, she lived with expectant help and hope from her Lord.
(pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances)
Over the years we stayed connected through letters and gifts. Once she and her daughters, while visiting relatives in Dallas, drove about 60 miles east because she wanted to serve us. She brought all the ingredients and did all the work to prepare an amazing, authentic, and delicious Mexican meal. They stayed overnight so we could visit more.
I always sent a Christmas box and occasionally a surprise package of clothes for the girls, and they were thrilled. If Antonia sent something, I knew it was sacrificial. Even now, I have a small, heart-shaped, black velvet jewelry box, a friendship plate, and a Christmas decoration to remind me of my sweet friend.
Antonia and her family eventually moved to California for her husband’s job change. Her older daughter sent letters, and finally the sad news that at age 55 Antonia passed away after an extended illness.
Her example of genuine faith in God, with a thankful, joyful, prayerful heart, and giving spirit will never be forgotten and continue to inspire me, especially during the Thanksgiving season.
Has someone been an example for you at Thanksgiving?