Today is June 27, 2009. Thirteen years ago, very early this morning, my Aunt Shirley went to live with her very best friend Jesus. She was forty-three years old. She left behind her husband, my dear cousin Brian, and countless people who were forever changed by watching her live and die.
I guess that words can never really sum up a person, but I sure wish they could. I’ve spent the past hour trying. I guess, if you want to know my Aunt Shirley–and I truly feel sorry for anyone who didn’t–you only need to listen to “Amazing Grace.” She lived it and breathed it, and it’s no wonder it was her favorite song. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that, had she beaten cancer and lived, Chris Tomlin’s version would have been her favorite. It’s definitely mine.
And a God thing? Her granddaughter was born on this date… five years later.
by John Newton
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now, I see.
T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear,and Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come.
T’was Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years,bright shining as the sun,
we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise then when we’d first begun.
I miss her, y’all. Every single day of my life.
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