As you know I have not posted recently .... and when I don't you know life is completely full. As a pastor's wife, the duties that are paramount at times are funerals. This week has been a very intense week with tragedy, details and a family beyond grief.
What can one possibly say about the passing of a 20 year old beautiful girl.
We had a prayer vigil Thursday night. Jana's three sisters and their husbands spoke of their love for her. The candles were lit.... the prayers were said that the family would be able to go through their darling daughters funeral the next day.
The funeral was yesterday. The service was meaningful and poignant. Our church was completely packed out. We had rented another 300 seats and I think every seat was full.
She and her fiance had planned to announce their engagement as of this very date. And they were to have a winter white wedding here at New Life. She was to walk down this very isle on the arm of her beloved father. When her family questioned her about using the large sanctuary as it is very big, she assured them that 'she could pack the house'. Indeed she did, but not in the way anyone ever thought would happen. Her 3 sisters stood strong beside their mother and dad in this grief stricken hour.
Instead of walking down this isle ...Jana was carried down this same isle in a beautiful white casket, with red roses dressed in one of her favorite red gowns. Everyone was dressed in black and white with touches of red. As if they dressed for her wedding. We all gave her away..... to the arms of the Lord.
I sang her favorite song....
Jesus Lover of my Soul.
700+ men and women, young and old, cried and tried to comfort the family with hugs, touches, and thousands of tears.
Jana you are deeply loved and will be missed here on earth until time is no more.
I am so thankful for our church family who truly served them quietly and efficiently with food for 400+ at the dinner afterwords. There was an enormous amount of food stretched down a long buffet table - more than enough for everyone to eat well. Thank you New Life for standing with us in caring for the family.
It's one of the reasons having a home church and a pastor in your life is PARAMOUNT. Do you have a church family to enfold and carry you when life hits you hard?
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