Making Spirits Bright
Laura McBryde Photography
cathy
cantey
C
athy Cantey shares, “My parents were compassionate people who taught us to love everyone, no matter their race or
ethnicity. That was an inspiration to me.” One day while her
mother was in the hospital, Cathy met a family who shared
a need for roof repair on their home. “I spoke to some peo-
ple at the church I attended and they were able to help the family. I was
inspired by the good deed the members did for people they didn’t know.”
After this experience, Cathy felt a calling in her heart to do more. “I believe
in my personal relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit inspires me to
have in my heart to serve others. Romans 6:13 states, ‘Surrender your
whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes.’ I believe God put
us on Earth to serve His people. In God’s word, He tells us to have empathy
for others and think of ourselves in their place. Another meaningful quote
to me is from The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, ‘If I have no love for
others, no desire to serve others, I should question whether Christ is really
in my life.’”
Upon hearing about the House of Hope for homeless women and children
in Florence, Cathy wanted to get involved. She had previously volunteered
for the Pee Dee Coalition, so she was familiar with working in the company
of those impacted by domestic violence. In 1999, she applied for the job
and had quite an interesting conversation with the Executive Director at the
time, Rev. Lucy Davis. “We talked about Jesus, and I shared with her that
I was saved.” Seeing her compassionate spirit and passion for the Lord’s
work was enough for Rev. Davis, so she offered Cathy the job. Although
she is no longer employed at House of Hope, Cathy still collects items
they need. CONTINUED...
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DECEMBER 2015
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