When driven by love, the world becomes smaller. As hearts grow bigger, eyes see no stranger.
And so is the world Abby-Jill lived in: her eyes saw potential, her mouth spoke hope, her heart beat with unconditional love. How well she resembled the One she so loved, whom she served, Lord Jesus.
There is a story in this picture. Abby-Jill, hands placed on the pot, ready to serve the hungry - praying for the food and those ready to receive it. Those who shared moments like these with her---my heart breaks for you.
This lovely beauty pouring herself into this little child.
Those of you who shared moments like this with her... my heart mourns for you.
Abby-Jill (hand up in VICTORY!) (and her team: Abby's Hope, and my team mate and I) as she completed 18+ miles on day 3 of 07 Chicago Breast Cancer 3-Day. Walking victoriously into closing - her goal was completing the event and participating in Survivor Circle. Walking, encouraging, loving her fellow participants (walkers & crew alike) we walked in the presence of Someone that seemed more like Christ and less like Abby-Jill . What little I knew of her she would poo-poo that idea - but walking with her I knew Christ, Himself, was empowering her. We all knew He was giving her strength and hope and purpose. We knew He whom she so faithfully reflected and served - truly revealed Himself time and time again as we observed her touching His children during this 3-Day event. What little I know of Abby-Jill - it was just her "doing her thing".
I've learned how important Hope is in affecting attitude in adversity- through Abby-Jill. She taught me so much in such little time...
I'm most certain, that those who surrounded her, through her short 43 years, became "the most important people" in her heart. Every family member, every friend, every "stranger" she served - she loved, she served, she celebrated.
"Lord, as you don't have to allow us to enjoy the vibrant colors of Fall leaves before trees go dormant... and You don't have to allow Spring to delight our senses with new-oh-so-fragrant-fragile-shoots-of-life as we transition into the warmth of Summer... so You don't have to place people in our lives that so well reflect Your very nature, Your loving heart... yet You do and You have. Thank You for your Son, Jesus, and His unbelievable "completed task" - for me, for us. I am most grateful. That is so much more than enough. Yet You chose to gift me - to gift us - with loved ones. Thank You. Thank You for your handmaiden, Abby-Jill, and the privilege of knowing You more - through her. Thank you.
Now, Abby-Jill, out of her "Earth suit" and in her heavenly one, it's likely she's cracking you up with her goofiness, dancing and smiling and causing a Holy-Party! and is organizing something up There, I'm almost certain. Until we see You "clearly", Lord, may we be found faithful, and may we continue Your legacy Lord, as Abby-Jill so demonstrated to Your world.
So, Lord, I dedicate this song to You, in honor of You and Your impact in my life and in honor of Abby-Jill and her "team":
"I will never be the same again. I will never return, I've closed the door. I will walk the Path , I will run the race and I will never be the same again. Fall like Fire, soak like Rain, flow like mighty waters, again and again. Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff, and let the flame burn, to glorify Your name! I will never be the same again. I will never return, I've closed the door. I will walk the Path , I will run the race and I will never be the same again. No, I will never be the same, again..."
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