My Sister's Passing

I proclaimed this year to be my family's season of elevation. I was so looking forward to becoming a witness to the many blessings that God would place upon us. My world completely crumbled after my baby sis, Latoshia, passed away. I literally thought that I would die from the shock and the pain. We had just spoken the night before. We had the best conversation, laughing and giggling about anything, everything...nothing.

It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that it will probably be some time before we see her again. I don't know how to move on without her. My siblings are my best friends. Like I said at the funeral, we are all twins, just born in different years. I am thankful to God for his grace, comfort, strength and wisdom. Without him I know that I wouldn't be able function. I am numb at times and at others, I am overwhelmed with emotion. One moment, I am joyous about Latoshia's transition into heaven's glory but then I am heartbroken when I look at her husband and their children. I am still trying to find my balance.....

As a family, we are beginning to see why God chose to take her away silently. Latoshia was fully aware of God's plan. Over the past year, she planted messages here and there for us to find. We understand that her young age was a critical part of God's plan. Her transition has opened the hearts and minds of so many people. Nearly 1000 people attended her wake and funeral. Two hundred and sixteen people turned their life to Christ. This was confirmation that Latoshia's passing was not in vain. Pastor Hart Ramsey taught perhaps one of the best eulogies, I've ever heard. For many years, I've heard pastors tell the family that you shouldn't cry when a child of God passes away. Pastor Ramsey explained that grieving is a natural human response that happens anytime we lose a loved one. He went on to say that a person should grieve based on how they believe. As Christians, there is a grieving process, but the pain is relieved by the knowledge that our loved one is in the arms of God. We will see them again.

I see death differently now. I don't refer to Tot as being dead. As a Christian, she transitioned. She forever lives but not in a place where we can reach her now. I'm at peace with that. She completed her assignment early. She didn't allow stumbling blocks to deter her from her God-given mission. I know that I'm her big sister but I really want to be like her when I grow up. Her crossing over only makes heaven that much sweeter.

I am so thankful to have a relationship with my siblings that is strong, pure and full of love. Tot and I talked all the time. If someone gave her a hard time, we knew about it. She loved hard and she was very forgiving. At the funeral, I watched some of the people who hurt her, cry in guilt and despair. My heart went out to them because that's a heavy burden to bear. I encourage you....Don't take your family, friends, church members or coworkers for granted. You never know that will happen next.

I was a little disturbed at the increased number of Facebook friend requests I received, especially from those who's never given me the time of day. I had to decline a lot of requests. This email will probably be one of the highest opened from our mailing list. It's strange but some people have a fascination with knowing about another person's pain. I can't understand that. If you are guilty of that (as I have been in the past), I encourage you to change that mindset.

Yes, I proclaimed this year to be my family's year of elevation and God started with Latoshia. She received the highest honor of all. Her passing was not a tragedy, loss or misfortune. It was the stepping ground to my family going to next level in Christ, Life and what's right in God's Sight. My sister "Rests In Peace" but we as a family, "Rejoice In Praise".

Many Thanks for Your Prayers, Words and Acts of Kindess...