Good morning…
I love this smiling photo of Marilyn. Relaxed in her skin. Always well dressed. Exuding the Spirit of God. Marilyn is one of the top ten most influential people in my own life of faith.
Dear Marilyn Davis…
We know that God not only loves you but has selected you for a special purpose. For we remember how our Gospel came to you not as mere words, but as a message with power behind it—the effectual power, in fact, of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:4, PHILLIPS).
Today at 2:00 pm, we will celebrate the vibrant life of our dear friend, Marilyn. She was born on March 3, 1933, and I came along thirty years later, born on March 23, 1963. For many years in a row, we celebrated our shared birthday season with a special meal together. Marilyn was one of the founders and talented teachers of the Banquet Bible study, our largest and longest running study for women at Northside Church. Together, she and I also taught Kay Warren’s Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough. In a consistent, inspiring way, Marilyn embodied Kay’s definition of joy.
Joy is…
…the settled assurance
that God is in control
of all the details of my life,
…the quiet confidence
that ultimately everything
is going to be alright,
…and the determined choice
to praise God
in all things.
As Marilyn settles into heaven now with many loved ones who have gone before, she lives into another favorite quote from the book: “One day, in the brightness of his coming, we will meet him (Jesus) face to face. And when we do, the tracks of joy and sorrow will merge. The sorrow will disappear forever, and only the joy will remain.”
For dear Marilyn Davis, only the joy remains.
…Sue…
P.S. Enjoy Marilyn’s brief obituary.
