And as I sat watching and listening to the celebration of their lives, I was overcome with so many emotions to confirm that. Yes, I was grieving for their unimaginable and tragic loss. But it was more than that. You see, today, we got it right and I was able to see God's hand in every single detail.
Looking back, though not many people know this (surprise mom!), I applied and interviewed for a new job. A job I thought I would really really love and was super excited for. It's no coincidence that the day our school found out about the accident was the day I was offered the job. The day I physically held up one of "my boys" when he didn't think he could walk, the day I had the boys' basketball team in my office, angry and sobbing at the death of their friend and teammate.....was the day I was supposed to be so excited about a new opportunity. After two days of thinking and praying, I decided against taking the new job. While the new job would surely have been exciting, I would so miss out on the relationships I've built with the kids and those kids need me now, more than ever. My school is my mission field.
After respectfully declining the position and just a week after the Stephens' accident, our staff was hit with the tragic news that our front office secretary passed unexpectedly. Once again, we "welcomed" the county crisis team back on campus. And while Ms. McDonald's death may not have been as difficult on our students, it surely has been difficult on our staff. That afternoon, I stood in my office, holding up our night custodian, hugging her, as she sobbed. While the new job would have brought new friendships, I would've missed the chance to be there for this staff and these friends. My school is my mission field.
The following week was our scheduled School Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting, of which I have been a part for the last 8 years. However, this year, I was scheduled to be in two student meetings at the same time. Normally, I would've excused myself from SAC to be in the student meetings. After all, students come first. But "for some reason" I felt like I needed to ask our school counselor if I was truly needed at the student meetings. I know now, that was the Holy Spirit tugging on me. Because you see, had I accepted that new job, I would not have been at the student meetings or SAC. Had I been at the student meetings, I would not have been at SAC. And had I not been at SAC, I would not have been able to say "My church can do it!" when my principal shared with the committee that the Stephens family had not been able to find a church to host the funerals of their beloved.
I immediately texted one of our pastors and he promptly sent an email to the appropriate staff, to which everyone said "YES!" And as I walked into the sanctuary today, I have never been more proud of my church. Because today, we got it right!
Today was about celebrating the lives of 3 precious children of God. I saw my church staff work together to help this family honor their loved ones. And, as I sat there, listening, watching and taking in the pomp and circumstance of the service, I thought about what I was witnessing. I watched what "community" looks like. The family processional lasted at least 20 minutes and I thought "My gosh. I hope, at my funeral, I have that many people who feel enough like family that they would process in with my blood family." I looked back to see the entire sanctuary filled...literally to capacity. This amazing community came out today to lift up and support this family.
Today was not about skin color. Many would call my church a "rich, white church." In my church, most funerals have organ music, some scripture, prayers and a message. In my church, most everyone seems to already know when it's appropriate to stand and sit. In my church, most everyone is dressed in coats and ties and pretty dresses. In my church, the musicians all have stands and follow clear lines of music.
But today was different. Today I gained an appreciation for new traditions. I watched and saw that it didn't matter what people were wearing, for it's more about community than clothes. I watched in awe as a man gently, but proudly walked 3 beautiful crowns down the long aisle of my church. I watched as those crowns were then laid in each casket, before it was closed. I watched as the choir, without any music, led the congregation in spiritual music that uplifted my soul! I watched as the funeral home employees dressed in matching, distinguished outfits, showing their respect. Then I watched as the directors presented traditional tapestries to the family. And I watched as the beautiful dancers, dressed as angels, gracefully danced down the aisle, to "carry" Denver, Sariyah and Mavaria out.
Last night, a friend texted me to see if it was appropriate to bring her wife to the service at my church. While our global church may have come under fire for certain beliefs, my church believes in "open hearts, open doors and open minds". I proudly told my friend "Yes! Of course you can bring your wife." At my church, all are welcome. And all means all!
Because today wasn't about "us". And it wasn't about "them." Instead, "we" ALL came together....the "us"s and the "them"s.....just as it should be. I saw it happen today....I know it can happen tomorrow. And because I saw it today, I will continue to serve and believe that my school is my mission field!
