This is Debbie. She was my secret sister. You haven’t met anyone on fire for the Lord like Debbie. In the few months we went to church together we enjoyed one another a lot. Whatever the social event, we would find each other. Both of us weren’t what you’d call the quiet and gentle types. When she came over to swim this summer she made sure to grill me about the new church we were attending – like any dear friend would.
Last month we were at a friend’s surprise party. Her and I were laughing over the fact that we were both huddled on different parts of the couch trying to quickly seal our birthday cards…hoping the birthday girl wouldn’t notice how fresh the spit was on our licked envelopes.
Debbie moved September 8th.
Her new home address is Heaven.
Debbie was 48 years old and died unexpectedly from pneumonia. Everyone was shocked, but God wasn’t. He knew full well the date and time of her welcoming party. Knowing Debbie, she ran full speed into His waiting arms and hasn’t stopped talking and laughing with Him since.
She leaves behind many touched lives, a godly husband, her precious seven year-old son Samuel, and a church family who loved her dearly.
My plan was to attend her life celebration yesterday, but at the last minute I was held up. It was difficult not gathering with my sisters who were missing her too.
Friends shared later how beautiful her service was and how the church was packed with people from all over. I wasn’t surprised.
If Debbie were here she’d remind everyone of her forwarding address. She’d point out the way and joyfully and quite matter-of-factly tell you how you could see her again.
When she was a child she heard Jesus knocking and gladly opened the door of her heart for Him.
For some of you He is knocking right now.
Debbie would want you to answer.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20
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