Joe and Linda were married in Carlsbad, NM on May 10, 1983. Throughout their marriage of thirty-one years they grew together in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Both attended Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX and received an Associate Degree in Theology. They went on to Southwestern Assemblies of God College in Waxahachie, TX receiving Bachelor Degrees—Linda in Elementary Education and Joe in Christian Education. Joe received his Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.
Joe and Linda had been actively involved in church ministry for over twenty years, working in group homes for severely emotionally disturbed children and later in administration of foster care. They also had a successful track record as entrepreneurship in the retail and service business.
When Linda was going through her third bout with cancer, she began to reflect on God’s word daily. In a dream, she had a vision of other pilgrims struggling in their own storms of cancer. In that dream, God moved her to share her experience with others.
She began journaling daily, which developed into writing devotionals. She took a biblical principle she discovered in her meditations with Scripture, wrapped God’s words around it, then shared her personal experiences to illustrate it. This was the beginning of Reflecting Light Ministry.
Linda’s cancer was in remission for over fifteen years. During that time she wrote over 77 devotional cards of encouragement. Through these inspired messages, many pilgrims of cancer have been encouraged to deepen their faith and continue their journey. Linda desired to publish 52 of her most cherished devotionals into a book that could encourage pilgrims throughout the year.
On January 15, 2014, before realizing her dream of a published book, Linda passed away due to complications from Histoplasmoses Pneumonia. I, Joe Kovarik, have the privilege and honor to fulfill Linda’s dream on her behalf so that her legacy and her spiritual insights will encourage others through their pilgrimage for many years to come.