Till We Meet Again. . .

I woke up thinking about Vickie Spencer. Saturday, December 19, 2009, the Lord called her home. I fell numb when i heard the news. I can’t believe she’s gone.

She loved me as her own. . . unconditionally, free of judgment. She prayed me through a rough time in my life and helped me forgive myself. For years we ministered together at Central Juvenile. . . faithfully every second Sunday; she was a stable force in my life and now she’s just gone. It won't be the same without her. I can’t help but wonder why she had to die. Not questioning God’s decision, just why her? Why now? God never makes mistakes and He wouldn’t dare risk His reputation by making one now. I’m clear on that. And He’s sovereign and does all things well and He causes all things to work together for our good. . . I am not confused. But none of that truth erases the question my flesh has: “Why Vickie? Why now?”

She's at peace now, free of pain and medicines and all that radiation. Her body succumbed to pancreatic cancer but her spirit is rejoicing and will live on forever. She’s “Vickie” again. . . healthy and radiant, and her voice is strong and clear. And God understands the heart of my questioning, and when I get in His presence with worship, He’s going to settle my longing to know. . .”Why Vickie? Why now?”

I love you, Vickie Spencer and I miss you so much already. I'll look out for Poppie and Marlon and I'll keep praying for and ministering to the children at juvenile hall.

Till we meet again. . .

Thank you, John (Thursday, August 6, 2009, 7:45 a.m.)

. . .for being so open and honest about who you are and where you are and where you've been. Thank you for letting me in and and for being uninhibited about sharing pieces of your soul and heart. You are helping me to grow and know who I am. Thank you for challenging me to be and become and to push past the limitations You truly are an instrument of God’s peace and I will cherish the times we spend together. Your baby sister always. . .
P.S. I'm looking forward to that white Christmas!

Dear Therman. . .

It’s Friday morning, July, 17, 2009, 9:30 a.m. We’ve just boarded the Amtrak bound for Wilmington, Delaware to see Angela and her family. I’m snuggling in a seat in front of you next to a window and I suddenly feel soooo happy. So much so that my eyes fill with water. I turn to my left to look out the window and I see nothing but teeth!! My teeth grinning back at me confirming how happy I am! It’s at that moment that I realize how glad I am that you’re here; ‘cause I don’t think this journey would be happening if you weren’t. Thank you for coming home.