Tribute to Kimberly Gilham - forever in our hearts!

There aren’t many words which can be used to describe how I am feeling at this particular moment. One of my dear friends, Kimberly Nicole Gilham was tragically killed in a car accident on April 6^th, 2011. The whole accident happened because she was trying to merge into a lane and the person to the left behind her sped up while she was making her way into that lane. This person ended up hitting into her bumper on the driver side sending her car spinning to eventually be hit directly on the driver’s side by oncoming truck. The reason for telling what happened is to simple say to everyone WAKE UP!!! We may make plans for tomorrow however, we are not guaranteed it. Who or what are you living for? Is it making a lasting impact? Do you know where you will end up when you die? Kimmy knew where she was going- there wasn’t a doubt about that! It was said that as the first paramedic approached her car there was a sense of peace and serenity in that car. Jesus was with her in that last moment and He snatched her up to be with himself.

                “Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has the power over the day of his death.” Ecclesiastes 8:7-8

I have heard it said that our life is but a dash between the day we are born and the day we will pass away. After losing my dear friend, it has been so deeply engraved on my heart to really think about the things that I view as being important. I am now evaluating everything through the lens of eternity instead of the here and now. It really has made a couple of things very clear – Jesus is the way-the truth-the light, He is the only way to understanding life and living it to its fullest, we are not guaranteed tomorrow, time is a precious gift- use it wisely and the only thing that will outlast you is the people’s lives you touch and make a difference in. During the celebration service, the church was packed with people she impacted and touched. We all gathered to pay respects to young woman who loved Jesus more than anything else and who was an inspiration to all that were around her! Her life does nothing but point to Jesus – the dramas she had a hand in creating and the songs that were sung were so amazingly uplifting and filled with hope! She was truly a gift to all who knew her! I find myself reminiscing about the times I spent with her, the phone conversations, the text messages and they all bring a smile to my face. She definitely showed kindness, compassion and care for those whom she came in contact with. As she was carried to her final resting place, there was a sword ceremony as she was a minister of the gospel. That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen; you could feel the presence of God in that moment as if the army of God was ushering her home. I can honestly say that my life has truly been enriched from having had the opportunity to get to know Kim!

I went back to April 6^th and re-read my devotional book by Billy Graham and the message was very clear:

“As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes." Ps. 103:15

Billy Graham states: "we are here for a short time we flourish then wither and die... Yet the minutes of our lives can be flecked with gold of eternity… Instead of wasting them God exhorts us to redeem the time.

What about you? If today were your last day, what would you do? Would your priorities change? I know for many that I come in contact with they are focused on the American dream – a good job, house, car etc. The pursuit of these things will only serve you the days you are here on earth because you cannot take any of it with you. Here is the litmus test, if who or what you are striving for daily will not last into eternity -- is it really worthy of taking up your precious time here on earth? What legacy are you leaving behind? Kimmy’s legacy will live on for years and years to come! The people’s lives she impacted for Christ’s sake is a testament to this fact! All of heaven is rejoicing at her home coming, although there is a huge void here on earth as her presence here is missed by so many!!!! (A huge understatement)

I truly feel that she would want all of us to be living our lives to the fullest for Christ!! Let's all take this as a challenge to not only remember Kimmy but also to live full heartedly for Jesus everyday!! Never take for granted a moment, live each day with purpose and intent, never take family or friendships for granted as they are such precious gifts from God!!!

Here is the promise from God:

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things have passed away.”” Revelation 21:3-4

Kimmy’s Favorite Song:  Revelation Song

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!
Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

(Chorus)
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/g/gateway_worship/revelation_song.html ]
Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah…

Come up lift up His Name
To the King of Kings…
We will adore YOU Lord…
King of heaven and earth
King Jesus, King Jesus
Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya!
Majesty, awestruck Honor
And Power and Strength and Dominion
To You Lord,
To the King, to King
To the King of Glory