Good morning…
Around 3:00 pm yesterday, from Jennifer DeShetler our small group of friends received a text. “Audrey just passed.”
Then privately she wrote me. “Who is the pastor on duty?”
“I will ask,” I replied. “Will get back to you.”
“Please asap.”
I connected her to Dr. Bill, our head pastor at Northside Church.
Soon after, I read the Facebook post written by Audrey’s big brother, Scott (seen smiling a week ago with his sister in the photo above). I have never met more devoted siblings. Sharing a gentle, easy humor, they had an intuitive language all their own. They could sense each others’ needs without speaking a word. Exchanging impish grins, the best parts of life were experienced together. Scott and Audrey brightened each others’ days, multiplying God’s indwelling Spirit.
Audrey brightened so many lives with her zest for life, living each ounce of life to its very fullest. She constantly fought for “just one more day.” Audrey inspired all of us to endure the hardest parts of life with grace and perseverance, focusing on the best of every situation. She kept praying, kept praying, kept pursuing her dreams. Her intimacy with Jesus grew stronger and more empowering with each passing day. Her faithful family entrusted Audrey into Jesus’ loving care. Now she is healthy and whole in heaven, no more tears and no more pain. I can almost hear the voice of Jesus whispering to her again, “Audrey, you are well.”
At the same time, without Audrey on earth, life will never be the same.
Jesus said, “Don’t get lost in despair; believe in God, and keep on believing in Me. My Father’s home is designed to accommodate all of you. If there were not room for everyone, I would have told you that. I am going to make arrangements for your arrival. I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together” (John 14:1-3, VOICE).
This early morning, the thought of Audrey waking up with Jesus and all of our loved ones in heaven, this joyful vision keeps me from getting lost in despair.
…Sue…
P.S. Also around 3:00 pm yesterday, at the senior living community where I’m visiting my parents in Ohio, they performed the musical Wizard of Oz for the final time. I invite you to touch on this link, look past the grainy image, and envision Audrey singing these familiar words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7thFUc6kos
