ANDRIA

I was thinking about our friend, Andria. Mainly how two years ago we said goodbye to her as she passed onto God Kingdom. Her funeral was a celebration of her life with so many sharing stories and memories. Quite beautiful. Something that was brought up just in the details, was Andria’s faith. Her belief in God and Jesus Christ was layered through her life which naturally was touched upon. Andria leaned on the promise of Salvation even when she was struggling. When things seemed impossible, she held onto that Promise that God made. It comforted her. Inspired her.

Gave her hope to trust that this life is temporary. That mere faith and acceptance in Christ will assure that we will live on in his freedom; peace and as one.

One of the songs that was played during the service, was a piece called, 'Goodness of God'. I suggest you all listen to it at least once. It is not preachy and in fact gives us reason to see God doesn't forget us. In the dark and light God is with us. God is life therefore life can not be extinguished.

Here we have a limited time, but not in forever. Forever is permanent and can beautiful if we reach for the beauty of life. That beauty is God. We are made in the image God. So that soul that makes us individually unique can also be beautiful.

Anyway, no one was leading the congregation in song. There was no words on a screen. No one was encouraging anyone to sing. No song books. No nothing. Just music being played from a recording. Possibly there were those who may not have even known the words, at first, By the end of it all, that was a different story.

Slowly the crowd started to sing with everyone in the end joining in this celebration that life is not dead. Andria is not dead. Andria is alive with God in Heaven. This is what we believe and this is what we know. You can feel in that room. People who may not know each other were connected to each other by Andria. That was the common thread.

Through that thread she shared her faith through not only her words but how she lived with hope; compassion; love and kindness. Forgiving others and acceptance as God has told us to do. That example makes a lasting point even if we don't remember it actively and perhaps only in our actions. That is enough in the end.

I had asked God many times as to why Andria died. How does this work in the great plan. I think I got part of an answer. This sad moment brought us all back together after being separated for so long. Life does that. It reminded us of our God and showed us even in sadness God lives. Therefore we live.