- Date Of Birth: April 15, 1989
- Date Of Death: October 17, 2016
- State: Texas
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
A light shown in darkness, a darkness that much of the world knows: hate, pettiness, greed, selfishness, and fear along with many other dark elements. However, this particular light represented all that was good: hope, kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and, above all else, love. The light of God radiated through Lauren Elizabeth Cordova for all of the world to see. Many proclaimed that she “brought a light to everyone” with her radiant smile. Lauren Cordova was, without a doubt, “a light [shining] in the darkness.”
In Dallas, Texas, about 27 years ago, a mother’s face glowed, a father’s eyes teared up, and a little baby took her first breath. Robert and Susan Cordova, the parents of this little miracle, tenderly hugged and kissed little Lauren as she came into this world on April 15, 1989. As many parents, they knew their daughter was special, but truly with Lauren, she revealed her uniqueness right from the start. Even as a little girl, Lauren was “wise beyond her years” as well as “an old soul.” She tended to do things in a more old-fashion way such as make cards and letters by hand or making recipes by scratch. Later in her future, she would give a loved one several vinyl records because CD’s or MP3’s just didn’t cut it. The statements of wise innocence that came out of her small, childish voice would sometimes put her parents and grandparents in awe and wonder. Just as Jesus Christ stated in Matthew 11:25, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” Lauren wasn’t just wise through-she was smart! No matter the subject matter, Lauren strove to excel in all fields of study. Throughout her young life she obtained many honors and achievements for her academic success from winning the science fair in 7th grade to receiving a certificate of academic achievement from President George W. Bush. Lauren would carry this love of learning throughout so many areas of her life. Many friends and classmates of Lauren Cordova know that Lauren is wise and smart, but to think of a time when Lauren wasn’t her independent and confident self is unimaginable. However, her father told of a time when Lauren was just entering Pre-K, and it seemed that every day she would hug her parents’ legs and cry to avoid being parted from them. It broke their hearts to see her so upset, but she truly did enjoy the learning environment and meeting new friends. Eventually, her Pre-K teacher started letting Lauren take up helper jobs around the classroom and a blossom started welling up within Lauren. She became a leader within her classmates and one of her teacher’s favorite students. As the year was coming to a close, her teacher told her parents that she had never seen such a change in a student before-from starting as a dependent and shy child to becoming a confident leader. When Kindergarten came about, Lauren didn’t grab on to her parents’ legs or even let out a whimper. Instead, she quickly told her parents “Bye! Love you!” and quickly went to her new class, without even a hug or a glance back. Her parents sat in shock, but couldn’t help the feeling of pride swelling up in them. From then on, Lauren became the confident, independent young woman that many admired and looked up to as a leader and guide. Lauren excelled in many things, but she truly outshone in being a most sweet and precious daughter and sister in her family. Unlike with most daughters who go through rebellious teenage years and isolated college years, her mother stated that Lauren always maintained her sweet and loving nature all throughout life. With her sweet and caring nature, Lauren embodied the very ideals of a woman of God.
In Proverbs 31:10-31, the author describes a “woman who fears the Lord.” Lauren in so many ways fits the description so many women strive to achieve within their whole lifetimes. To all who met her she was “far more precious than jewels.” Her friends called her their “rock” and their “confidant” who they could always turn to when they were in need or required help. Lauren’s family considered her very popular as she was adored by friends and so many others due to her helpful and considerate nature.
Lauren also “[opened] her hands to the poor and [reached] out to the needy” on very many occasions.
Friday, October 21st, 2016, 11:00am, St. Thomas Aquinas
Calvary Hill Cemetery
