Good morning…
Another loyal friend, a daily blog reader and longtime Northside Church member, wrote to me recently, sharing the photo above, offering a tribute to Audrey DeShetler who went to heaven in June.
******
Audrey’s Race Is Won by Vilda Brennan
About 10 years ago, I took a course called Soul Collage. I loved the concept of letting your innermost parts speak to you as you cut images and applied them to card stock. They spoke words back to you that day and then again later in your life. After I retired from counseling, I gave up this ritual which I had renamed “Windows to the Soul” with a different twist.
About 3 years ago, my dear friend, Sue Allen, who I have been in Bible/Book studies with the past 14 years, went to the training. She came back inspired and started a group to make these cards. She renamed it “Wordless Prayer Cards.” I attended the group and also made cards at home when someone was on my mind and needed prayers. I always kept the cards I made until about 2 years ago. I started sending the cards to the person I was praying for while making the cards– sort of like knitting a prayer shawl.
This year we have been praying especially without ceasing for– Audrey DeShelter. I have never met her, but have prayed for her the past 14 years for the cure of her cancer. I have met her Mom, Jennifer DeShetler, at women’s group gathering over the years. I have prayed back in forth online during the late hours with her Dad, Ben DeShetler. I have prayed for her older brother, Scott, as he was away at St Andrews in Scotland completing his degree.
Back in March while I was praying, I put my hands to work as the words were hard to come by as Audrey was experiencing some more difficult days. The images appeared from magazines, our church publications, etc. As the card came to life, I realized it was Audrey still running with the tenacity she has always shown. She was healthy and strong. When the card was completed, I knew I had to send it to Audrey and her family.
Audrey finished this race on Sunday, June 8th, one day before her 20th birthday as she arrived to celebrate her first birthday in heaven. Many tears will be shed by her family and friends in these days of grief. She outran this awful disease for 14 years, but on Sunday she ran into the arms of her Savior who personally promised her eternal life. She knew Him with more intimacy than most of us will ever achieve.
Please keep her family in your prayers as they are left on the sidelines with their having watched her final race. This has been the hardest race for them to watch her complete and yet they all know she was welcomed at the finish line by the One who loves her and them more.
Rest, sweet Audrey, the race is won!
******
As she rests peacefully with Jesus, might we sense Audrey’s voice? “I have fought the good fight, I have stayed on course and finished the race, and through it all, I have kept believing” (2 Timothy 4:7, VOICE).
…Sue…
