There are a lot of emotions today. Last night the world lost a beautiful soul in Manda Maxwell, a mother of two who lost her battle with cancer. Then one year ago today we my sweet Mamaw also went to be with Jesus. Both women represented the Gospel well and loved others more than themselves. I am so thankful to have known them both.

As I praised God this weekend through worship, the song “Ever Be” made me think specifically of Manda. Here are a few lyrics that stood out to me:

You Father the orphan

Your kindness makes us whole

And you shoulder our weakness

And your strength becomes our own

Now you’re making me like you

Clothing me in white

Bringing beauty from ashes

For You will have Your bride

Free of all her guilt and rid of all her shame

And known by her true name and it’s why I sing

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips

(“Ever Be” by Bethel Music)

One year ago my grandmother was clothed in white and now sweet Manda is too, fully restored and praising God for eternity. What a HOPE we have in Jesus! Our only hope. And through our grief and loss HIS praise will be on our lips, we can sing and worship God because death doesn’t mean the end, but the beginning of something more incredibly beautiful that we can ever imagine.

My heart breaks for those without hope, without the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It was a full circle moment thinking of my nephew who was baptized this weekend as well, proclaiming Jesus as Lord and then thinking of Manda entering her eternal kingdom last night. If you read this and you don’t know Jesus, please contact me. I would love to talk to you about the everlasting hope that you can have in Him. Both my Mamaw and Manda would want their passings to point to their beloved Savior.

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Thanks for letting me share,