a life well loved

this is something that i wrote to my friend, Holly, who is in Rwanda, after i attended one of the most beautiful memorial services i've ever been to.

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I want to tell you about last night. It was amazing. The memorial service for Olivia was held at Evangel. The service was just a really beautiful time of grief. Coming together around our family to cry over the loss of a loved one. There were some amazing pictures of her displayed at the front, and there was just this sense of healthy grief. Luke talked about how she had a life that was well loved, and reminded the family to not be anxious about anything. The God that has given them grace today will renew those graces tomorrow. The same way He has given enough grace for today, He will give enough grace to get through tomorrow. this has been on my heart a lot lately. this is a familiar theme to me, but the way he explained it made it so real. that we are not to be shy with God, we shouldnt pretend that we dont need all the mercy he has given us for today. God knows what we need today, and we should trust that his provision is perfect. that the mercies we need will be there tomorrow - so lets use up what he has given us today. in his wisdom he provides for our true need.

Rick spoke and reminded us that God is before this and he is in this. Just beautiful. Chris was able to speak and he just blew me away with his faith. He thanked everyone for entering into this with them and holding them up, and then he talked about how Courtney is his hero (beautiful!). How she went through a long painful labor knowing that she would be receiving a stillborn child. Everyone was sobbing. After the service everyone started to get into a line to be with the family. Konstanze, Sarah & I went together and we just were in one big hug together with Beverly. Of course we were all crying. You were missed, but you were there with us too. Bev mentioned that you called her and she was so thankful for that. Just a reminder that the ties of family are stronger than the distance that separates us.


It was the most beautiful time. It was how every memorial service should be. Some serious grief,
but also this intense sense of Emmanuel - God IS with us. Being humbled and encouraged by this family's faith. Just amazing. words cannot do it justice.