Carolyn Sandifer: Beloved Pillar of the Community

". . She is clothed with strength and dignity. She can laugh at things to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arises and call her blessed, her husband also and he praises her. Many women do noble things but you surpass them all. . .a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31: 25-31

Dignity, grace, courage, faith-filled and strength are all words that describe Carolyn Sandifer. We will miss her quiet, courageous activism and strength but her legacy and contributions are timeless. A woman whose faith allowed her to stand for what was just and right. She cried out against discrimination in the name of equality. Carolyn led a life of extraordinary courage and strength. She did not speak her convictions publicly while failing to honor them privately. She did not hold grudges but rose above resentment to reconcile with others. She was sent to us by God "for such a time as this."
She laid aside every sin and weight that so easily beset her. Along this journey, many seeds were sown: seeds of love, seeds of encouragement, seeds of dignity and seeds of grace. She traveled the road less traveled and only a few they'll be that find it. The seeds she planted will grow and bear fruit that will draw hungry souls to sojourn with her as they seek God in Spirit and Truth. Eternity has allowed her only a few moments in time, but she was always about her Father's business. Although her feet were shod with preparation, they still grew weary. Now, she's standing on the promises of God and reaping her rewards of the festive table that was filled by the words of her testimony. But the prayers that were sent up were not for her alone, they were sent forth for even the fourth and fifth generations. Along this journey she ate of the bread you know not of but as you reflect on the precious memories of how she impacted your life realize that her journey was just as important as the destination.
To have known Carolyn was to know unconditional love. Her love and memory will remain in our hearts and spirits forever--gently urging us to pursue God's purpose for our lives. She worked tirelessly and unrelentingly to help others. Carolyn saw good in everyone and attempted to help them see good in themselves. Her life of outreach and support was built upon a strong foundation of love. As we reflect on the many ways Carolyn has touched our lives we finally begin to see how deeply she cared for each one of us. Carolyn Sandifer's life and mission was about love and Carolyn was the representation of "Love in Action."
Carolyn was a loving, selfless and devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her life of faith, courage, and commitment serves as a resonant sermon to the ages of the purpose and power available to all of us. Her example of reaching out to others in love and reconciliation taught us that love is indestructible and only increases by being shared. May we all walk as she did, with dignity, courage, and confidence in the knowledge that we are all children of the One True Living God! We have lost someone that stood steadfast -- steadfast, giving and doing, serving and being, sharing and extending. It was our unique privilege and blessing to have had her in our lives. We give praise and thanks to God for Carolyn Sandifer, for she has truly enriched our lives.

(The photo is property of James Sandifer,Jr.)