It was November of 1982, I remember sitting at the kitchen table listening to my aunt’s minister friend, Mrs. Ruiz, talk to mom, Inez Fuentes, about her God. I watched as mom picked up one cigarette after another as she listened to Mrs. Ruiz share how wonderful her God was and how He could change mom’s life. I’ll never forget what happened next. Mom stopped her and claimed, “If your God can take this cigarette addiction from me, I’ll serve Him until the day I die.”

I remember watching Mrs. Ruiz’ reaction. She smiled as if she knew God was about to move in a big way. As mom picked up another cigarette and lit it, she took one puff and immediately rushed to the restroom. When she returned, she threw away the remaining cigarettes, looked at Mrs. Ruiz and boldly confessed, “I will serve your God, until the day that I die.” And she did!

She later explained “that last puff” made her so sick to her stomach she didn’t want to look at another cigarette, much less smoke one. She knew immediately God had moved on her request.

Mom lived her life boldly for Jesus Christ until she took her last breath on January 14, 2012. Because of her boldness and love for God, her life is still impacting people today.

Mom was always about the Father’s Business. You couldn’t be around mom and not hear about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His might, and the wonderful works that He has done (Psalm 78:4).

If you didn’t know the Lord prior to meeting mom, you were going to know Him before it was all over with. Mom had a heart for souls and believed in the power of prayer. Her testimonies are endless!

Mom truly LIVED the legacy she wanted to leave. She left a legacy of faith, a legacy of prayer, and a legacy of boldness. She made a difference in her “world.”

Love in Him,

Cindy Blanco