A Celebration of Life

I was asked to share a message for the Celebration of Life for Angie Hayes.

Here is the message...

About 4 years ago, I began jail ministry, leading worship at the BC Jail.

About a year later, I became a chaplain.

I started going to church services there every week, visiting individuals, and visiting the cell blocks.

It was about this time that I started writing a weekly “Note from the Chaplain.”

I’d write this note and make copies, and every note would start with,

“hey there, brother. Grace and peace.”

Then I’d write some words of encouragement and prayers, just trying to stay connected.”

About a year into this, we had REC. A three-day spiritual retreat held in jails.

They had services for both men and women.

So I went in to see it and met with the men and their team leaders.

Then I stopped in to visit with the women and introduce myself to them.

And one of the ladies said, “you’re the ‘hey there, brother’ guy.”

We get your letter every week. This is when I met Angie Hayes.

I found out they had been getting copies of the letters.

And that’s when I started writing, “hey there brothers and sisters.”

Not long after REC, Angie left and went into recovery.

And she asked for my notes and for copies of my books.

So we wrote and later emailed, and I was so happy to see how her life was improving.

She was living what we could call A Hero’s Journey.

When we think of heroes, we think of strength and courage.

We think of people willing to stand up against adversity and obstacles and danger.

We think of people willing to go into battle in service to others.

Angie was a warrior. Angie was a hero.

She answered the call and stepped out to battle. Day after day.

And day after day, she won.

Like everyone else, I thought she would be battling for years to come.

Serving. Loving. Living. Unfortunately, her service was cut short.

Sometimes, heroes fall.

Angie battled, as all heroes do.

And Angie was imperfect, as all heroes are.

And one tragic day, Angie did not return from battle,

as sometimes heroes do not.

We’ve heard many tragic stories of “fallen heroes.”

Those who do not return from battle.

And we know that even though they came up short in one battle,

that one loss does not define them.

Fallen heroes deserve to be remembered and honored for their service.

For stepping forward into battle. With strength and courage.

She embraced the Spirit of God as she struggled to endure hardships.

I’m reminded of 2 Timothy 4, because Angie fought the good fight, Angie finished the race, Angie kept the faith.

In Romans 12, we are told to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, then we will be able to test and approve what his good, pleasing and perfect will is.

Angie was transformed.

Romans 12 also tells us to be devoted to one another, to be joyful in hope, to be patient in affliction, and to be faithful in prayer.

Angie was devoted, joyful, patient, and faithful.

In Mark 12, we are told to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are told these are the greatest commands.

Angie lived these commands and loved this way.

In Galatians 5, we are told that the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, and peace

Angie lived with this spirit.

We are told that God is love, that love never fails, that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Angie cannot and will not be separated from the love of God.

And when warriors and heroes return home from battle, they rest.

Angie is a warrior. Angie is a hero. And right now, Angie is finding rest.

She fought courageously, and now she is resting.

Resting in the presence of God, resting in the peace of God

To all of you, family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss.

But I am so grateful for her life. Her love. Her service.

Her life was and is a GIFT.

This world is a better place because she was in it. And through each of us, her spirit is still alive and working in it.

Each of us carry with us, the spirit and the impact of this precious child of God.

Today we celebrate the life of this gift, this hero, Angie Hayes.

I pray for peace and pray for rest. I pray...

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to Your will

God bless Angie. God bless you.

Grace and peace to you.