(Photo: YouTube/TBN)
The vibrant life of Dodie Osteen came to a peaceful close as the co-founder of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, passed away at the age of 91. Her remarkable journey included a miraculous recovery from metastatic liver cancer over four decades ago, a testament that inspired countless believers worldwide.
Joel Osteen, the current leader of Lakewood Church and her son, conveyed the news of her passing on social media, noting that she died from “natural causes” at her home. “It is with a heavy heart that Victoria and I, along with our family, announce the passing of our cherished mother and grandmother, Dolores ‘Dodie’ Osteen. She was the beloved matriarch of Lakewood Church, an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and a faithful servant of God,” he stated.
The testimony of Dodie Osteen’s healing journey has resonated across Christian communities, with many leaders expressing how her faith strengthened theirs. Global prayer movement leader Jennifer LeClaire of Jennifer LeClaire Ministries shared her thoughts on Dodie’s life, saying, “Dodie Osteen has gone home to be with the Lord. She has been an inspiration to me in the realm of standing for your healing,” as mentioned in her Facebook statement.
Megachurch Pastor John Gray, previously affiliated with Lakewood Church, reminisced about Dodie’s unwavering spirit. He mentioned how she continued to pray for others even while battling cancer herself. “A light has gone out. She was a true woman of God in every sense of the word,” Gray shared in a statement.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment of Dodie’s illness, her husband John Osteen recounted the doctor’s grim prognosis in a 1987 recounting. “Pastor, I’ve got bad news for you. Your wife has metastatic cancer of the liver. She cannot live. She’ll be dead within a few weeks,” the doctor had said. Yet, the Osteens leaned on their faith, with John resolutely declaring, “We’re going to get that miracle.”
Dodie’s battle with cancer began 15 days before Christmas in 1981, leaving her devastated. Nevertheless, she and John turned to prayer, marking December 11th as the day of her healing. She recalled, “I got up on the 11th of December. John and I got on our faces in our bedroom, and we prayed. And he, as head of the house, rebuked that cancer in my body.”
The Osteens’ faith was unwavering, as Dodie affirmed the importance of setting a date for her healing. “Now I’d advise you, if you’re fighting a battle, it’d be a good thing for you if you’d like to set a date,” she suggested, noting how it fortified her resolve against the illness.
Dodie’s legacy is not only one of personal triumph but also of spiritual encouragement, leaving behind a message of hope and resilience that continues to inspire many.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
