Lovely Rita
I am not sure that enough people fully understand how amazing Rita Blue is. Her strength and depth of faith would be difficult to appreciate without knowing much more about the many difficulties in her life. When we look at Rita, we see a beautiful, kind, encouraging, friendly woman. She smiles and is genuinely happy to see you.
That’s Rita, always asking about how I am doing, about my kids and husband. Most of us can tell that she is in some sort of discomfort, but she seems to be doing just fine so we figure that she isn’t feeling too badly. It is not like Rita to draw attention to herself or complain, so it is easy to miss that fact that she is dealing with many physical and circumstantial trials. Because difficulties and suffering reveal our character like nothing else, it would be a shame for us to miss the chance to appreciate someone who has been a shining example for God through so many trials.
It is not my place to explain the specifics of Rita’s life, and I may only know part of what she has been through. Over the years, I only learned about her health issues, pain, and challenges because I asked so many questions. The more that I knew, the more impressed I was by her strength of character and faith. My respect for Rita grew with each passing year as it seemed that adversity was hitting her at each turn. I know she struggled, I am not saying that it was easy for her to handle these things, or suggesting that she is perfect.
What I witnessed over and over was her sincere faith in God, acceptance of His will, great concern for other people, and amazing strength. She may have struggled with bitterness, but I never saw it. She may have been tempted to feel sorry for herself, but I never saw it.
I remember how excited she was to finally have the opportunity to attend university and complete her degree. Unfortunately, Rita was forced to stop taking classes because of serious health issues. Rita is clearly a very intelligent woman with great career potential. I imagine that must have been extremely disappointing for her, but I never heard her complain about it. Rita gets her security and sense of self from God.
It is difficult to understand why God allows some people to undergo so many trials. On one hand, it can seem unfair. However, if viewed in a different light, it can be an indicator of God’s confidence in that person. Think about Job; God chose him specifically to make a statement of enormous importance on a cosmic level. Job’s faith and sincere love for God in the face of extreme suffering would become an eternal example for the rest of us. The Bible teaches that it is commendable to bear up under unjust suffering and that in doing so, we glorify God. This is a challenge that few are willing to accept, and even fewer would manage as gracefully as Rita has.
For years, God’s servant Rita has taught me so much and been an amazing example of one who humbly glorifies God through her trials.
I am so grateful for her!