It Only Takes a Spark
By Dr. Marci D
When I was a little girl, I learned a simple, yet powerful song written by Kurt Kaiser. The opening line still lingers in my memory:
“It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s love, once you’ve experienced it,
You spread His love to everyone; you want to pass it on.”
Even as a child, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of those words. Yet now, as I reflect on the life of a remarkable woman who touched me deeply, I see how true they are.
From the age of four, she was part of my life. She was the one who taught me letters of the alphabet and my very first Bible verse—Ruth 1:16:
“Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge.”
At the time, I had no idea what loyalty, faithfulness, or sacrifice really meant. But as I grew older, her example gave that verse life. She embodied it. Her kindness was infectious, her faith unwavering, and her love for God poured out into everyone she met.
She and I shared countless moments together—singing hymns, lifting prayers, laughing through the hard times, and even shopping side by side. When illness came, I stayed close, singing her favorite songs and reminding her that she was not alone. My faithfulness to her was born in childhood but carried through to her final days.
Her heart was like her garden—always blooming with beauty, always giving life. Even when she was unwell, she longed to plant flowers, to see color and growth flourish around her. She often reminded me, “Prayer changes things,” and she lived by those words. She was my prayer partner, my encourager, my friend.
Because of her, I understand what it means to “pass it on.” God’s love, shining so brightly in her, lit a spark in me that still burns today. Her life was a song of faithfulness, joy, and devotion—and I will forever carry her melody in my heart.
Rest well, my dear friend. I will miss being able to sit at your feet and learn some more of your wise teachings.
You have run your race with grace. Your spark still glows in me, and I will pass it on.
