God's Good and Faithful Servant: Idell Guidry

Dear people of St. Augustine’s, it is with profound sorrow that I inform you of the death of Idell Guidry who died in her sleep yesterday.  I would ask that you please keep her family in your prayers as they mourn her death. 

 

The appointed Epistle reading for the Daily Prayer of the Church is from Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome; it reminds me very much of Idell Guidry and the life that she led:

 

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (Rm. 12:9-21).

 

Idell lived what St. Paul preached. She always held fast to that which was good.  Idell was ardent in service and always rejoiced in that which was good.  Idell always extended hospitality to strangers.  She always blessed others, and Idell was never haughty and she lived peaceably.  Idell is one of God’s saints; now she has met her Savior face to face, and Jesus Christ has said to her those coveted words: “Come, Idell, blessed of my Father and possess the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world!  I was hungry and you gave me to eat.  I was thirsty and you gave me to drink.  I was alone and you visited me.  Whenever you did this for the least of my brothers and sisters, Idell, you did it for me!” 

 

Let us pray: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Idell. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

 

I remain your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski, Vicar

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550