Miss Ann!!

This past week, a dear, sweet lady who I've only known a short time was laid to rest. Her name is Ann Clifton, but known to many of us as Miss Ann. She was a spunky lady who LOVED pink, and always looked beautiful. I thought she was pretty special because her birthday is the day before mine. Alot of good folks were born in June, just sayin'!! ;-) She was born on June 25, 1922. I'll never forget, this past June on a Sunday morning in church, (actually on my birthday, the 26th) we sang Happy Birthday to Miss Ann. She turned 89 this year, and she was in the height of her glory when the whole church sang to her. She loved every minute of it, and so did the whole church! Suffering from dementia, she always had a smile that was just so sweet. She lifted my spirits so many times, and I can still see that smile right now. Miss Ann passed away last week, she has fought her fight, and now she is HOME! During her service this past Tuesday, pictures were shown of her through her life while the song "I Will Rise" was playing in the background by Chris Tomlin. I sang that song with 1WORD at a funeral recently, and let me tell you, it was tough. Every time I hear that song, it just brings tears to my eyes because isn't it going to be awesome to rise, and have no more sorrow, no more pain, and hear the voice of many angels sing, worthy is the lamb...as I really listened to the words at Miss Ann's service, I couldn't help but see her rising to a new life. One where she will never suffer with dementia or ANYTHING anymore. Miss Ann has run her race, and she is now risen!! I will no longer listen to this song without seeing and thinking of Miss Ann. She sat behind me every Sunday while I sang on the praise team. There will be an empty chair there from now on, but it gives me great joy knowing she's home, and that we will see her again!! I leave you now with the video of Chris Tomlin's song!! May we ALL rise when He calls our name!!