Lauren Crawley, my dear friend...

For the past 2 years, I've been a D-Group leader for an amazing group of high school girls at my church. They are juniors this year, all getting their licences, turning 17, looking forward to college, learning how to live out their faith in the midst of the excitement and temptation of teenaged life. And I love them dearly. They encourage me more than I could ever hope to do for them.

On Monday February 11th, one of my precious girls died in a car accident. Lauren Michelle Crawley was going to be 17 in March. She was a girl who I can honestly say was fully ALIVE. She was radiant, always making people laugh, loving people through hugs and humor. I will miss her. I'd like to ask anyone reading this to please be praying for her parents - Scott and Alycia Crawley - and her brothers - Jordan and Jonathan Crawley - as well as for our youth group and our church as a whole. The Crawley family is one of enourmous faith and they have continued to find their delight and rest in our God, in spite of this tragic time.

My life will never be the same, and I'm glad for that. I want my life to always bear a reflection of Lauren. Her memorial service on Wednesday night and funeral on Valentine's day were so uplifting and refreshing. Her brother Jordan led worship for us all week in the youth and also at her funeral. Lauren had told one of her best friends, Kathryn, that she wanted her funeral to be a party and that's what she got. It was absolutely a celebration of her life. Our grief is filled with hope that we'll see her again and that she is now, in this moment, beholding the beautiful face of Jesus and safe in the Lord's warm arms; dancing and singing praises with her amazing voice. I am able to look forward to the day that I'm taken to Heaven! Although the thought can be somewhat frightening because there is so much unknown about it, I know that because I've trusted Jesus with my life and with my soul and because I believe that He did come as a complete sacrifice for my sins, I will be in Heaven and I WILL be greeted by my mom and by Lauren and many other loved ones who share the faith that I have.

I don't mean this blog to exclude anyone who may read it and have beliefs other than mine. I always encourage people to seek the truth for themselves. Pray and read and ask questions - I believe you'll find what you're looking for! Please don't live a life that is uncertain - I love you all much too much for that :)

Thanks for reading my blog...sitting down to type this has helped me sort some things out and has been cathartic. Feel free to comment me, ask questions, whatever. I love hearing from you!
Jen