Spitfire

When Linda Williams was diagnosed with terminal cancer a year ago, she started organizing a dance party. Williams, who is 76 and lives in High Wycombe, England, says she can't stand funerals:

"I've never been to a good funeral," she said. "They're miserable things, so I decided I wanted a celebration of my life." 

Williams' 1940s-themed party included six performances, a raffle, a union jack cake, and spam sandwiches. Her 124 guests used the code word "enigma" to gain entry to the party, and Williams dressed as a Spitfire pilot with a parachute tied to her back as if she had just jumped out of a plane. Both Williams' parents were in the Royal Air Force, and she grew up near their base in Walters Ash, where she frequently watched Spitfires -- British single-seat fighter aircrafts -- flying overhead.

"I themed my party around The Battle of Britain, which felt perfect because the 1940s were all about pulling together, when you have nothing, and sacrificing to keep your freedom," she said.

Before the party, Williams got to ride in a Spitfire, which she described as "absolutely crazy, fantastic, and more than I ever wished for." Her son followed behind in a chaser plane.

Williams said her health deteriorated dramatically just before her celebration of life party, and she nearly died two weeks before the big event. In case she died before the party, Williams had a life-sized cardboard cut-out made of herself with these words for all who attended: "If I have missed my party, I am on a secret mission in the wide blue yonder. Thank you for the best time in my life dancing, laughing, and having fun with you lovely people. Next time you hear a Spitfire, I will be sitting on the tail watching you. Till we meet again, Love and Hugs, Lin XXX."

But Williams rebounded and was able to enjoy her gathering with an energy-level she had not experienced in years: "I was so excited, I got there at 6 p.m.; it didn't kick off until half seven. My legs were swollen, but I still managed to dance all night and I had lots of lovely cuddles," she said.

Williams credited her nurses with keeping her alive so she could attend her own party: "They saved my life on that occasion, which meant I could attend my own party celebrating friendship, camaraderie, and the joy of dance," she said.

Much like Williams' delightful example, Jesus was a rebel with a cause -- fighting against legalism throughout his years of ministry. As you move through your days, drawing ever-closer to our rebellious savior, what steps will you take that buck the norm, carving a new path towards eternal life with our Risen Lord?

God bless,

Jennie