A LEGACY OF FAITH

With faith at the forefront, Joanna Agatha Russell-Newton’s footsteps were illuminated with fervency and energetic force. Joanna had a passionate faith. A faith with a glowing intensity that was magnified in every arena of her life. A Roman Catholic, Joanna Agatha was an active member of both St. Vincent de Paul and Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Churches. For many years, she attended mass daily.

Joanna Agatha had complete trust and confidence in her Heavenly Father based on her spiritual convictions. From her home to her extended family, to business and personal development, to her church, community and country, Joanna Agatha’s footprints were forged and is best expressed through Joanna’s favorite prayer “The Prayer of St. Francis”; which she always prayed with Cleon and Caline.

The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

In the words of Cleon (your one son): Mother, it was your unwavering faith in the Almighty that continues to resonate with me up until this day. I will carry that as your powerful legacy for the rest of my earthly days.

What mother’s fervent faith taught us: To “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6)

Our life should be such; that when the world looks at us, we should be reflecting our Heavenly Father.

Love rescues us. Continually. Psalm 18 teaches us to hold on to love. He is the One True God, reliable and solid as a rock when everything else crumbles, cracks, and fails us. His love is perfect, and He is powerful and I hold on to these words.

“I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”

Psalm 18:1-2

In life, we spoke many words. In death, I hold on to our greatest word in those moments: LOVE.

I LOVE YOU, MY DEAREST SISTER. I deeply miss you. Love always, Cynthia