Home Free – A Tribute

Today I dedicate this entry to my new friend, Jennifer Mitchell. In His perfect wisdom and mercy, my Jesus—and Jen’s Jesus—chose to take her Home peacefully two evenings ago, Tues, 5/3. Jennifer had brain cancer. She was only 27.

I knew Jen only 21 days. We met three weeks ago on a Monday night at a Bible study we both had just joined. Really, I can’t even say I knew her three weeks. I only saw her the last three Monday nights, all together about five hours maybe. And out of those five hours, we couldn’t have visited more than 15 minutes. All the words exchanged between us couldn’t have added up to more than a couple of thousand, give or take a few.

That’s not a lot of time.

So I can’t say I knew Jennifer. Not really. Didn’t know her favorite color or food or hobby. Did she have siblings? Was she born in Idaho or move here later? Had she been a Christian a long time or not long at all? What made her laugh? What pushed her buttons? What was her favorite thing to do when alone? Or with others? Like I said, I didn’t know Jennifer.

Except I did. I know she loved Jesus!

Jen so radiated the love of Christ—that peace and joy that passes all understanding—you felt like you knew her. Everybody in class wanted to hang with her. Besides this wonderful childlike faith and just plain fun personality, Jen had another quality. If you asked her how she was feeling, she wouldn’t lie to you. She’d tell you the truth. Don’t feel well. Or, I’m a little down. Yet she still managed to keep that smile, those dancing eyes. You’d hurt with her and yet you’d laugh at the same time.

So how is it that I could say all this? I mean, when did I have the opportunity to get to know Jennifer when I’ve just admitted I didn’t know her? All I can say is Jennifer let you know her. At least that’s my take. She must have touched me. I sure have a lot to say about her now. Basically, Jen was just too cool for school.

And this might sound a little self-serving but I’m gonna share it anyway. Jen loved reading my blog. I started it the day I met her. She told me she’d check it out the next day. When I caught up with her the following Monday, she told me she’d read it every day and had told a lot of her friends. Even posted a link to my blog from her website. Said that reading it each morning had become one of her favorite things to do. Felt encouraged. Maybe she’d leave a comment, maybe not. But on Mondays she was sure quick to tell me how it blessed her.

With 10 billion websites and blogs a person can read every day, she picked mine. If nobody ever read another thing I wrote, God already gave me one of the nicest presents He’s ever given me. Written words to encourage a new friend the last couple of weeks of her life. God knows how humbled and honored I am by this. In fact, when I saw her Monday night—the last time I‘d ever see her this side of heaven—we gave each other a hug and she says, “Look forward to reading your blog tomorrow.”

How can I miss someone I just met? How does that work? When you’re as filled with Christ as Jennifer Mitchell was, it’s a no brainer. You’re drawn to her because she draws you to Christ.

Finally, since Jennifer posted this publicly on her website, I’d like to close by letting you get to know Jennifer a little yourself. She writes:

“. . . I have to share this with all of you…as hard as this journey has been for me, I have tried so very hard to do what God has wanted me to do, and I really feel that I have. Now, I really feel in limbo not knowing what he is going to do next, but I am ok with that. This is hard to explain, but maybe some of you can grasp it. Within the last few days I feel as if he has literally entered more than just my heart, I am so full of happiness, love, and peace it is unreal. There is no other way that someone going through what I am going through could say that if God wasn’t living in more than just their heart is there? I am thrilled with the smallest of things, and feel nothing but love love love for everyone! I feel like my heart is just overflowing and I can’t contain it. I know you’re probably all thinking it’s just the steroids Jen, but believe me, it’s not. I feel it, I feel Him! If this is even a fraction of the love he has for all of us then get ready people because it is awesome! It is like nothing you’ve ever felt before! He continues to work through me in undeniable and unbelievable ways, I pray and he tells me just what to do. I truly feel that I am serving him as much as I possibly can right now. I know he is proud of me and I also know that he is watching over me continuously. I continue to pray for time from him, also and I do think he will give me mercy and grace for what I still need to do here on His Earth. Honestly, this has been one of the most wonderful and beautiful experiences anyone could ever have through such a time of adversity and I am actually so thankful to Him. . . .”

— Jennifer “Jen” Mitchell, Wed, April 27, 2005

To family and friends of Jennifer, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. May you be comforted knowing that on her second full day of heaven, Jennifer is sitting on the lap of the One she loved so dearly … the one Who loves her still more.

Jennifer’s having a really, really good day today.

Blessings all.

“Home Free, eventually
At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free.
Home Free, oh I’ve got a feeling
At the ultimate healing
We will be Home Free.”
— Wayne Watson

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'”
(Matthew 25:23)