Monday, July 18, 2011

Shining for Jesus


No man dies before his time.
~ Yiddish Proverb




This is not the occasion I anticipated for returning for a post. I write to ask for prayers for the family of one of the brightest lights for Jesus I've had the privilege to know—my sister-in-law Stephanie.

Stephanie met my brother Michael at a rehabilitation center for the blind. Michael lost his sight through degenerative disease, Stephanie through a traumatic accident. They fell in love and got married. They had the courage to have three children in a society that often values neither children nor those called handicapped.

Michael and Stephanie have endured numerous hardships, which would have challenged the best of us. The latest one was Stephanie's battle with cancer. When I spoke with her last month just after she played the keyboard for worship service, she didn't voice concern for herself, or even her family. As the cancer ravaged her, she said she just wanted to make sure she was shining for Jesus.

She was still uncomplaining yesterday—unless you count the fact that the pain brought her to tears, and to request, "Can somebody please do something for me?" God answered that prayer, and finally called her home.

Some might say that she died too soon, before she fulfilled the purpose of raising her children.

She heard a call to a purpose higher yet, of shining for Jesus. She well fulfilled that purpose in the time on earth appointed to her.

I ask that you please keep her husband and three children in your prayers, and ask the Lord to comfort them with the knowledge that Stephanie did not die before her time.

:  :  :

I appreciate your understanding for no replies to comments. I remain on vacation from blogging while I return to Colorado this week to be with family.
~ Anne

8 comments:

  1. Oh, Anne. I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing story; I can see their light shining from here.

    Much love to you as you travel. Praying you'll all sense His incomprehensible peace and comfort.

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  2. My heart goes out to your family as you deal with the loss of one who meant so much to so many. May the God of all comfort hold you tightly and help you through the difficult days ahead.

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  3. prayers for this sweet woman and those who are blessd by her...

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  4. Shine on, sweet Stephanie. Shine on. Shine on through all those who knew and loved you.

    God's timing is always perfect. Lifting up those precious children and her husband and all of your family.

    Hugging you close, my friend.

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  5. prayers for the family and for you...

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  6. I mentioned it on Everyday Testimony, but wanted to say it here too--praying for you and the family that His comfort and peace will surround and envelope you all.

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  7. Tears, tears ...

    I rejoice for her homecoming, yes, but weep for you as you grieve.

    Thank you for letting us enter in here, into the midst of your grief.

    I can't wait to meet her someday in Heaven.

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  8. I hadn't realized ... may His comfort enfold all of you.

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