victorious!

It’s been exactly a month since I’ve updated and I still don’t even know exactly what to say or how to say it.

Stephanie Bush went home to be with Jesus on December 17, 2010.

Devastated? Absolutely.

Sad? Overwhelmed with sadness.

Mad? Honestly, yes.

Immediately after I returned to Texas, I devoted all of my time, energy, and emotion into thinking about her pure, beautiful life. I was able to spend some precious & much needed time with her family. I was lucky enough to play games, bake brownies, look at Christmas lights, read books, & laugh with Levi (her little boy). I’ve been able to see Kevin (her husband) so gracefully handle this situation – he has impressed me every step of the way. I was able to help prepare for the services with some of Steph’s best friends and my teammates from the 3DAY.

the most beautiful services I’ve ever attended were held Monday, December 20^th. Stephanie’s life made much of Jesus Christ. Everyone I met that knew her could only say wonderful, positive things about the impact she had on their life. Amongst all the tears, sorrow, and pain that we experienced – there was an overwhelming peace knowing that God’s name was glorified through every breath she took. Her purpose in life was to relentlessly pursue the God of the universe and tell everyone she knew about His love and the [hope] that can be found through Him.

By the grace & divine intervention of God - I met Stephanie in November 2009. Therefore, I knew her a total of 1 year & 2 months. she undoubtedly change my life forever.

She was incredibly naturally beautiful – borderline flawless, yet her heart was even more beautiful. She was inspiring, full of joy, helpful, kind, considerate, compassionate, genuine, creative, strong, determined, focused, organized, mission-minded, lovely, loyal friend, loving mother, captivating, funny, intelligent, down to earth, etc! the list could honestly go on for days… but the thing that attracted me the most to Stephanie was the radiant light shining through her.

The reality of her being made whole, new, and 100% healthy in heaven absolutely makes my heart rejoice. The reality of her not being here with us, definitely still stings.

To be honest, I’m not very good at the grieving, mourning, or healing process. Sometimes I’m not sure how to handle my feelings and do not exactly know what to do next. But I do know that I get really excited when I think about living my life the way Steph lived hers. I want my heart’s deepest desire to be to tell everyone about the hope I’ve found in Him, about the majesty of His love for us, and about the healing power His promises have.

that is what I’m called to do, forever & ever.

Since the day I met her, I have said, “I want that. I want my life to be even half as influential & impacting as Stephanie’s”

I fully understand the responsibility that comes with saying that. I’ve got to humbly pursue God’s heart and continuously ask him to give me strength to live in His light. I’m incredibly ready to take up my cross & follow him (Matt 16:24).

I’m beyond thankful for the year and two months I had with this pink warrior. She fought tirelessly against breast cancer & she persistently fought to further the Kingdom of God. I will forever cherish the memories I have with her and cannot wait to see her shining face again.

"...and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God" - Hebrews 7:19

I am fully committed to pursuing a world without breast cancer. I could not be more honored to tell of Steph’s life & speak of God’s goodness.

3DAY 2011 will be very different without her, but I couldn’t be more proud to wear the pink ribbon in her memory.

To me this pictures screams “VICTORIOUS!”

yes, this was taken as Steph was crossing the finish line on the first day of the walk – so she was physically victorious.

But ultimately, because of the grace & redemption she received by the blood of Jesus Christ – her life was victorious!