LINDA

NOTE FROM BARNEY: This is a deeply personal blog for me—a tribute to Linda. Please bear with the length. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, January 20 at 11AM at Santa Rosa Christian Church. I am overwhelmed by all the comments, prayers, and expressions of love since Linda went home on September 30.

Linda Beal grew up on Puget Sound in a small beach cottage at Three Tree Point in Southwest Seattle. Besides her dog and cat, she also played with her pet octopus and baby crabs.

In 1972, Linda came to Christ—the first in her family to do so. If you’ve seen the film Jesus Revolution, you know much of our story. She was a hippie/ free-spirit/ beach girl, who came to church barefooted.  

God used her to awaken me spiritually. I had grown complacent in my faith, and her passion for Jesus ignited a fire in me. I reconnected with his call on my life for ministry. I shudder to think of where I would be, if God hadn’t brought her into my life.

We married in 1973. Linda was eighteen, and I was twenty. One of the greatest blessings throughout her illness, was that we were able to celebrate our fiftieth anniversary.

In 1976, I began preaching for a small church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where we served for ten years. Our kids, Josh and Tiffany, were born during that time. We then spent five years ministering in Roseburg, Oregon. Then on 09/01/91, we began our ministry here in Santa Rosa, California.

Linda redefined the word “passion.” She possessed strong feelings about virtually everything, and was the quintessential encourager, always looking for the best in others—whether someone living on the streets, in a recovery program, or sitting on a church pew. She inspired others with words such as, “You’re awesome. You’re amazing just the way you are. God made you perfect.” She constantly encouraged me, and was my muse for writing and teaching. Linda was content by my side, or in the background, as we served together. Her non-judgmental, loving heart was contagious to everyone she met.

As Linda’s time grew short, I asked if she was afraid of dying. As you might guess, her response was, “No! I’m excited!” On other occasions, she said, “I’m looking forward to it,” and “I can’t wait.” On the last night of her life, I sat by her bed, playing popular songs from the time we dated and first married. She squeezed my hand, as I leaned my head on her arm. Eventually, I kissed her forehead, and said good-night. She entered heaven a few hours later.

Many folks ask how I’m doing. Honestly, no word has been invented to describe the mish-mash of emotions welling up inside me. Yet even in the midst of this devastating loss, I’m the most blessed man alive. Because of fifty years of marriage to the most wonderful woman on earth. Because I’m surrounded by friends and family who deeply love me. But most of all, because of my Savior whose presence gives me strength each moment during the most difficult season of life.