We recently celebrated Shary Cutting’s graduation to heaven. She served as a teacher for many years but was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1978 and forced to retire due to the M.S. in 1999. She served as a Connect Group host and faithful prayer warrior. As her health declined, and she found herself confined to a wheelchair and unable to care for herself, she refused to blame God or wallow in self-pity. In 2016 she said:

Struggling with different obstacles has not been easy. But the Lord’s given me strength. I just pray and ask for help and he just gives me the strength to keep going on. There are days when I just think “Poor Me!” but I don’t let myself do that long – because there’s just too much to be grateful for. From day one, even now, I’m just blessed. The Lord’s been good. No matter what comes my way, God is good and has a plan for me. It’s not easy to be content. I have MS. I know God’s in control of the whole situation. I have just chosen to be content and be thankful for what I have. I’m not a victim. I’m an overcomer. I’m blessed.

Right up to the very end, her body crippled by MS and painfully wracked with cancer, Shary chose a heart of worship, gratitude, and joy. She is an example of what it looks like to be fully committed to Jesus. We thank God for Shary, and for so many like her at this church.

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