It's been too long. For much of Saturday night, I was remembering - and being reminded - of how much Cindy's voice and songwriting have meant over the past three years for me. I think it's fair to say that one of the best early impressions I had of Lakewood on my first visit was Cindy's singing. She's probably as much a reason that I decided to stick around as all the acquaintances I'd known over the years who went to Lakewood and occasional glimpses of John & Joel Osteen on the tube.
Anyways, I'm sure I'll go a little over my own self-imposed limit of how much I clip from a weekend of services. I'm reminded that a lot of times, when Jesus sent healed folks out, he'd tell them to not tell anyone what happened, but to just present themselves. And yet, word leaked out. It's not clear, but one reason may have been that those sent were just too eager to tell about what had happened and did so regardless. Watching Cindy this weekend, I suddenly relate to that a bit more.
First installment is Cindy giving praise for her kids ... complete with those kids' rear ends being exposed for everyone to see. Boy, they're really going to hate this in about 15 years. But it was really moving and I don't think there was a dry eye in the place Saturday night. I doubt there was on Sunday, too.
Cindy Ratcliff: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"
16 Comments
But you have to admit. Those twins are pretty cute.
they had some issues sunday morning during the first service. when cindy started singing only one picture of the baby showed up...i knew there was something wrong...i was there saturday night, so pastor joel asked cindy to sing again after the choir sang the special and they got the whole picture slide fixed...it was awesome, but i think saturday night was the best...the atmosphere was more emotional...
it's nice to see her back again...did you see what the choir did for her sat night? that was amazing...they made a word sign that says "Welcome Back Cindy" and gave her some flowers too, pretty ones from what i saw...
Yeah, I slept through the 8:30 service and went back to watch it and caught the video flub & repeat performance. Tough break. I've always thought that one of the more special aspects of Saturday night service is that it's the first time everyone gets to run through their material, whether it's Joel's sermon, or anything special from Cindy, Israel, Steve, or Da'Dra.
I missed the choir welcoming Cindy back. I was hoping to get there early enough to do my run through upstairs and then catch all of the final runthrough on stage. Didn't happen and I'm pretty sure it's my loss. Been a while since I've slowed my Saturdays down to do that, too. Definitely something I need to try and re-accomplish ... soon.
Cindy, remember me? I am Bruce's mom. The babies are adorable! Congratulations. Windsor is a cutie also. Ashley has told me so much about him. Blessings on your family and your work at Lakewood. I catch Joel all the time but seldom the music program.
Lovingly,
Nell Hopper
Wow, what a pleasure to see Cindy again in a new life...
I hope all is well with she and her family. brother, sisters, folks and the old band members.
what a blessing back in the day... what a wonderful part of my life as a believer in growth and in music.
Back then I was with WCFY radio as "Gary G" in Lafayette, IN.
Oh, Cindy and Marcus. ....what beautiful babies and how God has blessed you!!!!!
With Love to all,
Cheryl McNatt
Congratulations Cindy' I am so happy for you and Marcus
and now Windsor is a big brother' what a blessing for the family
God gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him.
Thanks for allowing God to chose his best just for you'
Stay blessed'
God Cares
Veronica Mosley
Cindy and Marcus,
I am glad to see that all of you made it home safe and weathered the storms. The baby's have grown and are so pretty! It was so moving to see the video and be reminded that "Great Is Thy Faithfulness".
My love and prayers,
Patti
Are you kidding me? I watched that Saturday night with tears running down my cheek! When Jimmy Swaggert fell it left a great worship void that went on for about a decade. I am thankful for women such as Cindy Ratcliff and Darlene Zschech who are laboring to fill the void. Keep up the good work!
Dear Cindy and Marcus,
I just had to write. This short video clip really moved my husband and me. We have a beautiful, healthy, three-year-old son. This year, we decided to expand our family. We miscarried a baby in May, but God blessed us with another pregnancy two months after that. Two weeks ago, we lost a set of fraternal twins. We are devastated. But unlike my first miscarriage, we refuse to get mad. We believe that God moves in this world, and that His hand is upon us. He knows our desire for more children. We even have an empty frame that hangs in our downstairs hallway, waiting for the baby that comes to fill it.
Furthermore, the most amazing thing to us about this video clip, is that we have no idea who sent it to us, or if they even know about our recent loss. It just showed up in my in-box.
God bless you both and your beautiful family,
Wendy E.
Cindy and Marcus, I watched the video and cried! I am so happy for you two. I love you both and am so glad to have to new precious angels in the family. My dad went to heaven but God sent two angles in his place. Praise God he is an awesome god. If you delight yourself in the lord he does give you the desires of your heart.
SWEET AND PRECIOUS CINDY AND MARCUS, I AM SO HAPPY FOR YA'LL. CINDY KNOWS I HAD TWIN SONS EDWARD AND GARY AND AN OLDER SON JAKE. THE LORD KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED AND OH HOW HE BLESSES US. THEY ARE SO ADORABLE AS WELL AS YOU OLDER SON. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS TENDER LOVING CARE ALWAYS. I KNOW NANA AND PASTOR JOE ARE EXCITED. WE LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH. MARILYN
Marcus and Cindy, it's me Katrina...Damon and Nathalie's mother. I have one thing to say. You both are annointed and it shows. Ecclesiastes 3:1. This is your season.
Blessings are in your house,
Katrina
Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. He is truly Faithful and our lives are a testimony to His goodness and Love!
I also want to again say a very special THANKS to NANCY ALCORN and the entire team at MERCY MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL. What a beautiful place of healing and restoration. Please join Cindy and I by lifting them up in prayer daily as they save the lives of young women all over the world everyday by transforming Lives and restoring Hope!
I hope our story is an encouragement and inspiration to all who hear it. Hold on to your dreams and know that God is probably working the most when you feel it the least. He's good and His plans are to give you a Hope and a Future and to prosper you and He always brings restoration in ways greater than what we expect or imagine...
We pray Gods Very Best for you Today and Always!!!
Sincerely,
Marcus R.
I watched the video what a blessing it was to see twins . God bless you both Janice Witzke.
Jane, has kept us informed of the sweet twins. We are all excited for you at Journey Church and look forward to sharing our love with you this coming Sunday. We are beaming with joy!!!! I love you Cindy...the video blessed my day....He is such a wonderful God and He loves us so much. We are so blessed to be a part of His great plan!! You have no idea how your video "We Speak to Nations" has changed my life...worship is the key...and God has blessed the Nations with your voice of worship. I thank your Mom for giving me that video...I would put it on at night...and fall asleep. Love you all, Johneen "Jody"