On February 22^nd 2014, I entered the blogosphere with my first blog, which I titled: “Hello World”. What I am writing now is blog number 2300. I have used my writing bent to write about what I see going on around me when, as I must, and with reference to a book I wrote some years ago, go “outside the camp”.

“Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach” Hebrews 13:13

Among the many things I blog about is what might be categorised as “obituaries”. Over the years, I have reflected on the lives of some of the people I have known, who have positively impacted me including helping me to make sense in a world going down the path of craziness but, as well, many fine examples of human endeavour, including by them who I pay tribute to. I have occasionally had my fingers burnt when what I wrote has upset family members, particularly with homeless folk when their relatives did not want it on record that the one I was writing about I met when homeless.

That is not the case with today’s “obituary” but given Kim Williams has only recently died and, out of respect for the family she has left behind, I will keep my words few and focus on one aspect of her life, or rather her death, that has particularly moved me, mindful my own days also are numbered. I first met Kim and her husband Keith, as I recall, when I preached at the church that they were attending at that time. In recent years, Kim and Keith joined the same church as me and my wife, Jolly. We became friends and I know the church valued Kim’s winsome nature and desire to serve.

Kim had been unwell for some time, but how unwell few, including Kim, realised. No more than a couple of weeks before her death, Kim was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. She realised then that she only had days to live, but she was ready to face death because she knew Jesus. Her main concern was for her family that they would be alright and especially that they would know her Lord. While she would have preferred to go home to die, this did not happen due to deterioration in her health. Instead, she spent her last day’s at Fairhavens Hospice, who did all one could have hoped for, and where she could spend time with family and friends. Some testified to the sense of peace, for Kim was happy to be safe in the arms of Jesus. Kim worked for the past twenty years, at the Southend Christian Bookshop and with this along with her other involvements would have got to meet many. I particularly remember Kim for her grace and kindness and concern for others. She used whatever opportunity that came her way to bear witness to the Lord she loved. I rejoice she is now with Christ; for her that is far better.

Much more can be said about Kim and no doubt more will be said, including at her memorial service at St. John’s church on 20^th December. It is already clear that Kim knew many, and touched their lives in good ways. Since what has especially moved me of late was the inspirational way Kim approached her imminent death, I should say how in so doing she touched the lives of many – family and non family, believer and non, carer and visitor alike. A tribute page has been set up in Kim’s memory (see here).