Andria Carpenter
My thoughts go to crowded overnight stays at the Weeks house, noontime laughter in the lunchroom at Will Rogers, Sunday afternoon rest home visitation, powerful summer youth camps, Friday night football games at Skelly Stadium, first jobs, first apartments, and first cars. Overwhelmingly, my memory of Stephanie is her deep, deep love for Jesus.
When Stephanie “decided to follow Jesus,” she sank her fingers into him and hung on as if the rest of her life depended on His constant and abiding presence. She had a remarkable revelation of being “fearfully and wonderfully made” that affected all of us who knew her. So many years and miles have passed between us, but her life testimony still affects me even as I write.
I so enjoy the sweet memories of ours and so many other friendships from years past. I’m very thankful for the hope Stephanie’s life and passing represent; “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine and ten thousand besides!” Stephanie knew where her hope came from and was assured that He would always be faithful! Today, right now, she is healthy, strong, and entirely unburdened by the cares of this life. She is a beautiful crown that Wanda Weeks will cast at Jesus’ feet.
I can see her running toward heaven with outstretched arms, that beautiful long, straight, thick red hair falling down her back, and that inviting toothy smile calling out as she arrived, “I’ve dreamed of this day my whole life!” I am confident that Jesus met her there that same way and, through his own laughter and tears, called back to her, “I have, too, Stephanie. I have too!”
