Gina’s Journey
Author: Stan Guthrie
June 27, 2024
My big sister, Gina Guthrie, passed away last week, suddenly and unexpectedly. That's her in the middle of this family photo. She was usually in the middle of things (and often directing them!). It's hard to find pictures of Gina by herself, as she preferred to exuberantly share her life with others, especially family.
As anyone around her (or those who knew her only by Facebook) soon found out, Gina was a woman of strong convictions and a clear sense of right and wrong. Formerly a teacher of minority students who came from challenging backgrounds and family situations, she was not in the least afraid to state her opinion with confidence and clarity on the issues of the day. And more often than not, she was right. One thing is for sure: you didn't need to read her mind and you always knew where she stood! But as heated as an exchange might be, I saw that Gina was always ready to forgive, to admit a mistake, and to keep the relationship moving forward.
Gina, as the oldest of Morris and Irene's children, had a strong protective and nurturing side, too. When she thought I was in danger of going off track while in college, she took a risk and warned me to my face. When Mom faced huge problems after Dad died, Gina (along with my younger brother, Mike) willingly and sacrificially shouldered a heavy burden to care for her. She told me her commitment to Mom was only right, especially since Mom had always been such a great mother. And of course Gina was right again.
Gina's commitment to and tenderness toward all her beloved children was enduring, through all their ups and downs. One thing she loved about retiring early was the freedom she now had to drop what she was doing and help her children whenever they faced some serious issues of their own. Gina was the rock of her family. Doting on her beautiful grandchildren was of course an inevitable part of the equation!
Gina faced some serious health issues in her life and fought through each one without self-pity. She knew all about perseverance, whether the challenge was cancer or painful broken bones in her foot from an unexpected fall. I never heard her moan or complain.
In recent years I have been delighted to witness her growing faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. On the Friday before her passing, we had the longest telephone conversation I can remember, during which she and I tried to figure out answers to some of the most perplexing questions in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
She wasn't doubting what she believed, just trying to understand it better. While we were unable to solve all the mysteries of the ages during that one call, it was clear that Gina knew the One in whom she had believed, and that He was able to keep what she had entrusted to Him until that day. After the call was over, I was both tired and exhilarated, knowing that we, both now in our 60s, had begun a journey of more deeply connecting with one another.
I thought that this journey would continue on for however many years we had left on this earth. How was I to know that Gina's earthly journey would be over in a matter of days and hours, not decades? Obviously her sudden passing dealt us all a devastating blow and leaves a void that no one among us can fill.
And yet death never has the last word for followers of Jesus. I expect that He is answering her questions even now, or that such questions have faded into insignificance in the beautiful light of His presence. Gina's journey isn't over. In fact, it has just begun. Those of us who know her Lord are on the same journey and, by His grace, will see her again.
Stan Guthrie is Minister of Communications for New Covenant Church of Naperville.
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