Grace's party yesterday was wonderful! Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day so special. There was a lot of laughter and some tears too as we remembered and celebrated the amazing life of Grace.
For those of you who were unable to be there with us, we wanted to give you an overview of the day:
The service began with Grace's clip from the TV series 'Real Girls Real Life.' What a testimony it was of Grace's confidence in God and love for Him. Derrick Scott III welcomed everyone to the service and, with the ACCESS218 Band, led everyone in worship. Together, everyone sang and danced to 'Take it All' and 'You Never Let Go.' A very special part of the day was having Lu Rubino and StorySide:B celebrating with us. They performed the song 'Miracle' and a slideshow with photos of Grace began playing in the background. Damien D'Anna read a poem written by Adrian Semerene called 'Grace Defined' and Grace's Auntie, Ann Marie Irwin, read a short story written by Grace titled 'My Prince.' There was an open mic time in which Grace's friends and family shared funny and sweet memories and Quirky read a poem she had written for Grace last fall. Michelle Ottley-Fisher did a beautiful dance to the song 'The Rose.' Pastor George Spencer shared 'The Good News According to Grace' which included reading some of Grace's journal entries, poetry, and prayers from the last few months. Christian read 'Love Is,' a poem written by Grace. Lu and StorySide:B played a Gilbert favorite 'Be Still' and Derrick shared about breathing in the God who Grace so evidently loved. The ACCESS218 Band led us in singing 'Jesus Paid it All.' As we sang the verse 'And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save, my lips shall still repeat' it was amazing to know that Grace is actually doing that very thing. People stood with hands raised as we sang together here, and Grace stood before the throne: 'Oh praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.' It could only be described as a holy moment. We closed with singing 'Salvation is Here'.... a salvation Grace believed in with all her heart and is now celebrating with her King. And then of course, there was a cookout with friends, family and delicious food!
Grace wanted a party, and a great party it was. There was a sense of joy in Grace's life and a peace knowing she is with Jesus. In Grace's life God received the glory and in Grace's death he received the glory as well... What an amazing testimony of an incredible girl and her unbelievably powerful God.
Kelsey
(From ACCESS218)
|
