We live in a world and amongst a generation of people who are so blind to spiritual wisdom that, when they encounter it, they view it as foolishness. I’m not seeking to be edgy today, just real. Tomorrow I’m officiating in a service where the godliest woman I’ve ever known will be memorialized and later buried. Only a few esteemed her as highly as she was worth while she was with us, and the world at large didn’t notice her life and therefore will not be impacted by her death. All things will continue as they have been upon this big old blue planet even though one of its finest inhabitants has moved upward to glory. Most people would never have known that they were in the presence of greatness when she was near. The very fact that she was godly resulted in her also being humble and self-denying. No, Deborah Samples didn’t have a press agent or a marketing team to make everyone aware she was special. If anything would ever be said on her behalf it would have to be spoken by another and, in the end of the age, by her King. She was quiet, wise, loving, faithful, kind and beautiful. Sometimes wisdom has to wait to be seen as wise. Another one -a very wise one- King Solomon, spoke to the delayed honor of those who are spiritually wise and honorable when he wrote,
“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8
We don’t really perceive things clearly as they begin. Our comprehension is more valid when we have watched a thing run its full course. Solomon challenges us more than once in Ecclesiastes to take our time when making up our mind about a thing. Who among us has not seen a person begin well and draw from us assured conclusions that they will be great some day? Then, as time passes, our certainty proves to have been too hasty as they fall. Contrariwise, others have appeared before us and we hardly raise an eyebrow in noticing them. They do not appear great or promising or worthy of our emulation. Years pass and they stand before us again as a brilliant diamond relieved from the rough. We predicted their dullness and God made them to shine. Solomon says that we should be patient and not proud in drawing our conclusions. Don’t make up your mind about important things – especially people – hastily. Our discernment is better in the end than at the beginning.
Deborah Samples went unnoticed by many. I would venture that when the age is complete and all the redeemed will stand in glory before Christ, Deborah Samples will receive more reward from her King than this preacher who writes of her today. I’m not being humble, I’m being honest. Her reward was delayed and most of it not found on earth. This very day she is smiling with a glorified countenance, running in a glorified body and praising Her Saving Shepherd with the purest of lips.
Solomon said, “Better is the end of a thing than it’s beginning…”. I hear the voice of my mother in law saying, “It sure is. Tell ’em again, Solomon. Amen.”
No trurer words have been spoken of Deborah! God bless you and the family tonight at visitation and tomorrow at the memorial service! We are praying for all of you!
Truer words could not have been spoken. Praying for your family today.
I was not one of the fortuneate persons to have known, (or even met) Deborah. I now feel cheated that I did not know her but from all the praises I have read, in her regard, she must have been such a special lady and I am sure now that she is basking in the presence of the Lord and Praise God one day I will get to know her. You, Amy Alicia and Landon and Mr Samples and the extended family are in our prayers. Knowing where she is does soften pain but her presence here on earth will be sorely missed. I can’t say more, but please do know that we love you and your family as well.
I remember when I was a youg man I watched a film about the life of an american messenger named Lilian Trusher (not sure of spelling).She was engaged but the Holy Spirit whispered to her that she must leave everything and go for serving God wherever He calls her.She left her fiancee, and travelled out of the U.S.A. not knowing her destination but guided by the Holy Spirit.She was guided to a large city in Upper Egypt called Assiut where she started a ministry of service to orphan children.I watched her bathing poor children (in the film) and changing their ragged clothes into new clothes.She started with a small number of children.She had no financial resource and was not not affiliated to any organisation but she proceeded only by her faith.It was known that sometimes her little orphanage did not know what for their dinner but she prayed with the children and God provided for their meal unexpectedly in time.Her orphanage gradually grew and it is still there in Assiut till today, many years after she ascended to Heaven.I heard one of the most eminent pastors in Cairo, Egypt mentioning her in a sermon, saying that if we suppose that in Heaven there is competition on the chairs Lilian would compete with the Apostle Paul challenging him on his chair.God’s most favorites are not necessarily the most famous.
We honor Deborah Samples even without having known her personally because she is a good example for every christian.We look forward to join all those who went to Heaven ahead of us and there we will all rejoice with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Sam & Zack.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today as you are presented with the viewing of this wonderful christian lady. May the Lord give you strength and peace as you truly begin your journey without her; as today sight becomes a realization seeing her at the funeral home. Praying for you as you help comfort Amy and the kids while they suffer and deal with this being the first time they see her since 6/16.
Love and prayers,
The Cherepy Family