Gracie and Co.

Tonight I went to a visitation for a beautiful and talented young lady, Rachel Ward, who was killed last Sunday in a car accident. Her Mother was in my Bible Study last year so many of us from our group met there to see Melinda. I have never seen so many people coming to a visitation. When you entered the church, the crowds wrapped down the halls, turned the corner and still filled another hallway. It was moving so slow, that we didn`t even get to speak to Melinda because the time was running out. I had to sign the book and leave, hoping to be able to speak tomorrow when we go back for the service. But, as I am there, in the hall, looking at all the pictures of Rachel, listening to a recording of her singing songs she had written, it is so hard to know what to think... So sad, for the family, so sad that Rachel will not be able to live all her dreams, but in the midst of these feelings, so encouraged by how her family is standing firm. Standing firm in their faith, in their knowledge of where Rachel is. There it is again, that hope that we have in Christ of where our salvation is.

I loved the poem they had on the back of the program. It speaks so clearly and what a picture.....

I`m Free

Don`t grieve for me, for now I`m free, I`m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life`s been full, I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one`s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, Don`t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.