Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Her Faith Still Speaks ...

February 26, 2008 ......... Hebrews 11:4


We mourn the death of my sweet lifelong friend, Cyd Mizell. Thank you for your prayers that have been a sweet aroma to our beautiful God Who now holds Cyd in His loving arms. It looks like she has arrived home! She is safe and secure! It's the day she lived for. Hebrews 11:4 says that Cyd's life still speaks, even though she is apparently dead. And it speaks loud. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews stirs my heart as I read it tonight thinking about Cyd. Verse 13 says "all these people were living by faith when they died." Cyd was. She was "longing for a better country" 11:15. She found it. A place prepared for Cyd. And I commend her for her faith, such beautiful childlike faith, as she gave her life away in Afghanistan. But, as verse 11:40 goes, "God had planned something better..." He has welcomed Cyd into His Presence forever. No plan of His can be thwarted by any enemy. Job 42:2.

I am going to send your comments to Cyd's father, George, who was my husband's pastor growing up. Would you be so kind to share a thought with George of what it means to hear about his daughter's story. My unending tears tonight are for Cyd's dad and their family who have lost their precious girl.

The following news update is on the http://www.arldf.net/ website, the humanitarian aid foundation where Cyd worked.

UPDATE..."We are deeply grieved to report the apparent deaths of Muhammad Hadi and Cyd Mizell, Asian Rural Life Development Foundation workers who were kidnapped by gunmen Jan. 26 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Although we have no confirmation of their deaths, we have received information over the past few days indicating that our two aid workers have been killed.

Hadi, a resident of Kandahar, had served as an ARLDF driver for two years. Known by colleagues as a “kind, loving man,” he was the father of five children, ages 6 to 15.
Mizell, 50, a native of Eureka, Calif., dedicated her life to serving the people of Afghanistan. Since 2005 she had lived in Kandahar, where she taught English to high school students and helped women learn income-producing skills such as sewing and embroidery. She also assisted in other ARLDF-related efforts in the area, which include food-for-work projects, irrigation, rehabilitation, health care and restoration projects. We are thankful for the efforts of local government and other authorities during this crisis. Our prayers are with the families of Hadi and Mizell."

38 comments:

annette 2/26/2008  

Corrie ten Boom: “With Jesus, even in our darkest moments, the best remains and the very best will be.” (The Hiding Place)

Cyd is enjoying the very best now, and we give thanks for her life and her strong testimony of His Hand on her life. We now grieve for them not as one without hope but knowing we will one day be reunited. So sorry for your loss this night, and the tough weeks you endured. Blessings on your families. By His Grace, Annette Geffert

Unknown 2/26/2008  

May God's grace and comfort be upon you in the coming days. I know the pain and loss of a child, my son died two years ago. I am so blessed by Cyd's story and dedication. I pray your faith will strengthen you and bring you peace in the days head. May you be blessed with comfort as you picture Cyd in the presence of our Lord in Heaven. I am about to read Randy Alcorn's book "Heaven." I can't wait to catch even just an imagined glimpse based on God's promises of the glory our children now live everyday. I am so sorry to learn of your loss, I will be praying for you.

Angela Baylis 2/27/2008  

Dear George and all of Cyd's loved ones...

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

I am praying for you and for the loss of your beautiful Cyd. May you feel God's loving arms around you today and always.
Much love,
Angie

p.s. Bev... I am praying for you as well!

Jean 2/27/2008  

Until just a few short weeks ago, I had no idea who Cyd Mizell was. The first time I saw her face, my reaction was "what a beautiful woman!" It was her smile and an inner glow that seemed to somehow find its way through an otherwise 'flat' picture. I am sure it was Jesus Christ shining through her. Many times since that first glimpse of her, I have seen her beautiful face again and again as I would go back to the website to check on her and her friend. Everytime I saw the picture I would be struck by her beauty and the self-giving life she was leading. I think of her now in this way:

In the book Hinds Feet in High Places, the Shepherd was showing Much Afraid a great fall of waters and He asked her "What do you think of this fall of great waters in their abandonment of self giving?" She trembled and replied that they were beautiful but terrible beyond anything she had ever seen. He asked her "Why terrible?" She replied it was because of the leap they had to make, "the awful height from which they must cast themselves down to the depths beneath, there to be broken on the rocks." As she meditates further on the sight and speaks more of her thoughts, the Shepherd speaks and says, "At first sight perhaps the leap does look terrible, but as you can see, the water itself finds no terror in it, no moment of hesitation or shrinking, only joy unspeakable, and full of glory, because it is the movement natural to it. Self-giving is its life. It has only one desire, to go down and down and give itself with no reserve or holding back of any kind. You can see that as it obeys that glorious urge the obstacles which look so terrifying are perfectly harmless, and indeed only add to the joy and glory of the movement." (pps. 186 & 187 of Hinds Feet in High Places)

This is how I think of Cyd, as one giving her life in self abandonment to her God and her work, receiving such joy and fulfillment.....that's the story I saw in her face.

God bless you, Cyd's Dad and her family and friends. My heart so goes out to all of you.

And, to Bev, thank you for the opportunity you gave me to pray for this woman and her friend.

Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

Psalm 30:5b .."weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

Shonda 2/27/2008  

I'm so sorry to hear this news about Cyd. She has such a beautiful smile in the picture and I'm sure a heart just as beautiful. I pray God's peace comfort you during this time. Praying for you.
With love,
Shonda

Unknown 2/27/2008  

My sincere sympathy goes out to you and to the people who love Cyd. She sounds like an amazing women, full of strength and tenacity. It is in these times we lean heavily on the Father. Praying for you in your grief.

Much love,
Teri

marine's words 2/27/2008  
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fran 2/27/2008  

Dear George and all of Cyd's family,

We prayed for Cyd's safety and prayed that she would be returned safely. God was ready for her to come home....and that is a much better plan. Cyd was beautiful in pictures but more beautiful because of her love for the people of Afghanistan and her Lord.

She is rejoicing and dancing with Jesus. She IS home. She is sitting at the feet of Jesus.....
I'm praying for your hearts. May His peace cover you.

May God bless you all through these difficult days,
Fran
TN

Bev Brandon @ The Fray 2/27/2008  
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous 2/27/2008  

My heart is so heavy and with it comes the realization that I have no idea what is truly means to lay down my life for the Lord and for the lost. I will pray for the family.

Lisa 2/27/2008  

To Cyd's Family and loved ones...

As I read this post from Bev, my eyes are filled with tears. I grieve with you, as your sister in Christ, over the loss of Cyd's precious life. I can't write enough words to express my sympathy for you...and even if I could, they would not be enough. Just please know that a sister in North Carolina has prayed for you today. My heart unites with yours because of His great love for us, first.

I keep thinking that Cyd had it right. She knew about really living. She knew about counting the cost. She knew about pure joy because she was undoubtedly experiencing it serving God and others. You can truly see it in her eyes and on her face in the picture. The spirit is visible in her countenance.

I am moved today to love God harder, serve Him stronger, and value life greater because of Cyd's faith. How beautiful the reunion in heaven must have been on the day Cyd arrived.

Grace and peace to all of you...
Lisa Whittle

Alana 2/27/2008  

My heart is broken for you and Cyd's family. May God grant you peace in this time of grief that only He can give.

Anonymous 2/27/2008  

I knew Cyd while she lived in Fort Worth. She and I attended a home fellowship together. She was a dear sweet person. I am praying that the women she worked with in Afghanistan will remember her that some will become Christians because of her life. I pray also for Cyd's Dad. I pray God will wrap you in His mighty, loving arms of comfort and that you know Cyd is right now in His wonderful loving presence.
In God's loving kindness, Yvette

BethAnne 2/27/2008  

What a treasure to have a friend like Cyd. You are truly blessed to have known here in this life and she was blessed to know you. I am praying for her family and for you.

Laura 2/27/2008  

The earth has lost a beautiful soul and the heavens have gained a saint. The heavens rejoice as they receive her. May the peace that transcends all understanding comfort you during this time. In loving prayer, Laura Boggess

Mary Lou 2/27/2008  

May the God of all comfort put His loving arms around you and sustain you during this time. May you sense His presence and feel His everlasting arms carry you thru this time of grief. God will honor her life and His word does not return void and her life and His word will go on giving as she is remembered.

Janelle 2/27/2008  

That beautiful smile is shining up at Jesus right now. She is home. A place we can't even imagine, but long for. I am so sorry for your earthly loss, but I know heaven is rejoicing.

Her story stirred my heart.

Susan 2/27/2008  

I gasped when I read the news. Surely it could not be true! She will be missed, even by those who did not know her.

ThreeGirlyGirls 2/27/2008  

I was so moved by this.....I am truly sorry for her family, but what a day it must be in heaven right now!! Her smile is touching, it's like it reaches into your soul. I am just so sorry things had to happen this way. She will be missed greatly.

Love and prayers sending your way!

jennyhope 2/27/2008  

My heart sunk when I received your comment about Cyd. I know God was glorified in her life and i sit here typing without the words to say. I am stunned. Even though she has reached her heavenly Jerusalem and is such an outstanding witness my heart still breaks for her sweet family and friends who are still here.

psalm 116:15
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints.

This world was not worthy of Cyd or her fellow sojourner.

Vonda Skelton 2/27/2008  

No greater love...
Cyd showed us what that meant.
I pray God's comfort and peace for my dear brothers and sisters.
Vonda Skelton

De 2/27/2008  

In 97 Cyd became my friend as I prepared to go to Kashmir. She helped all of us over and over for the next two years, way beyond what was expected. Romans 8:26 best explains my sadness.

Valarie 2/27/2008  

Dear George and other family and friends of Cyd,

My prayers are with you as your mourn your loss yet rejoice at her homegoing.

Val
NC

twinkle 2/27/2008  

Words are of little comfort for such a great loss. It is a time to mourn. I didn't know this woman of faith but her smile looks so familiar to me. It reminds me of the smile I picture on Jesus when I see Him in my mind. May God comfort you and hold you close. May His Words speak to your broken heart.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12.

Shalom...

Holly 2/27/2008  

I am praying that your family may be filled with peace in the midst of this sad news. My heart is grieving with you and for you. And yet, I know that in Jesus we have not been left without hope. We have much hope! I pray that God will use Cyd's testimony as a seed to spring a harvest in that place. I believe.

Praying for you all with much love,
holly smith

ocean mommy 2/28/2008  

Oh sweet brothers and sisters,

My heart aches for your loss. May our God make you so very aware of His comfort, His peace, during this time.

I rejoice with you in knowing that your precious daughter, sister, friend is in the arms of our Jesus! She is with Jesus!!

I pray that as you walk through the next few weeks, that you know that we count it an honor to pray for you during this time.

Anticipating Him
stephanie

Denise 2/28/2008  

Jhn 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

She is enjoying her reward........ Her family will be in my prayers........

Anonymous 2/29/2008  

I am so sad to hear this news...we are one in Christ and although I did not know Cyd...I can see the Lord's love and joy in her eyes and that she loved her work and the people that she was called to minister to daily.

I will be praying for you and your family and her family as you walk through these early days especially. I know that God will be your Comforter...Refuge...Strength...Hiding Place...and everything you need for each passing moment. You are loved.

Helen

Val 2/29/2008  

I am so saddened by this story of real life. Thank you is not enough to people that truly give their lives for the Lord. My thoughts & Prayers are with you and the whole family.

Angela Baylis 2/29/2008  

You are on my mind and I just wanted to tell you I am praying for you, Bev!

Try to have a nice weekend.
Love,
Angie xoxo

Connie Barris 2/29/2008  

I am not sure I have any words to ease the pain...I am still in the midst of pain, grief... heartache of my own loss... so I can say that I know how you wish the world would just stop for a minute..

I don't want to be trite in the words I could muster up...

so let me say, I hurt with you, pray with you and cry with you...

and I'm so very sorry...

Bev, I'm sorry too for your loss...
May you be a strong arm in this...

love ya girl
Connie

Lindsee Lou 2/29/2008  

To Cyd's Family and Friends-

My heart is absolutely broken for you. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling, but know that I am lifting you up and praying that HIS peace reigns during this time. I really have no words, but know that my heart hurts for you.

Bev-

I am still so saddened by this. Such a tragedy that we had no control over. Know that I too am praying for you! Cry all you want! Wish I could give you a hug! Indeed that will happen in SA!

Love ya-

Lindsee

Toknowhim 2/29/2008  

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was touched by your daughter's story when I first read about it on Bev's site. One night when I was praying for Cyd toward the beginning of her kidnapping, not knowing exactly what the outcome would be, this verse came to my mind... Psalm 116: 15, but today when I went to look up the verse I also felt verses 14 and 16 apply...

Psalm 116:14-16 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16 O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant [a] ; you have freed me from my chains.

I hope these verses will be a comfort for you in the coming months.

Blessings and peace to your entire family...

Toknowhim 2/29/2008  

Bev,

This post is for you.. I just posted one earlier to Cyd's father...

My nine year old son accepted Christ 4 days ago. He is the first of my children to accept Jesus. Missing you around blogville!! Hoping things are going well for you.

Holly 2/29/2008  

Bev,
God has had you on my mind ALL day! So I have been praying for you. Let's talk soon, OK? I miss you.

Know this: I love you much in Jesus and am praying!
holly

jennyhope 2/29/2008  

Still praying and can't get it off my mind! I am praying for you to Bev. I am so sorry! love jenny

Nise' 2/29/2008  

I am so sorry to read about the loss of Cyd. Will keep her family in my prayers.

He Knows My Name 3/03/2008  

this news is so hard. we just don't understand God's ways here on earth. we mourn for her family and yet we know we should rejoice but it is hard and at moments impossible for our sadness wells up inside and we wonder why. my God grant her family and friends comfort that transcends understanding. ~janel

ps i hope to get that email off soon. it will really do me some good. the post i am commenting on seemed to correspond with my life.

Praying for Our Friend Joanne Psalm 131:3 Waiting on God. Hope Now. Hope Always.

House of Blessing Tribal Childrens Home

House of Blessing Tribal Childrens Home
"Whoever welcomes a little child in My Name, welcomes Me." Matthew 18:5 We have posted pictures of the orphans receiving their gifts from you. Scroll down to the post entitled "Today Was the Big Day." Many orphans didn't own anything of their own, but now do, because of you.

My Family

My Family
Britt, Blair, Bev, Bob, Brooke, Barrett

Contact

I've met some amazing women through blogging. I would love to hear from you. My personal e-mail is:
sixbrandons@gmail.com
I have another blog where I blog daily as a small group of us read through the New Testament this year. It's called A String of Pearls. We carry each other on mats (when we just can't walk anymore) to Jesus and sweet things like that.

Followers

My Blog List

Search This Blog

FEEDJIT Live Traffic Feed

Site Meter

Especially Designed for Bev by

Photobucket

  © Free Blogger Templates 'Photoblog II' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008