Walk tall...

Today I'm grateful for the much needed reminder that I am loved and that I am a daughter of God.

I have felt pangs of loneliness many times over the past month but today was reminded how many wonderful friends I have. I was enveloped and surrounded by loving sisters in the chapel at Debbie's funeral today - women who have made and continue to make a difference in my life. I pray that I can remember that feeling the next time I'm sad about my little life.

I got asked at the last moment to lead the women's choir in singing "Walk Tall You're a Daughter of God" at the funeral. My friend Lynda has this ability to get you to do things you know you can't really do well but it is impossible to say no to her. (I also want to remember how she sent someone down from the stand to get my friends and me to move from where we were sitting on the side to a row in the center of the chapel so that she could look at us when she spoke. Of course we all moved. Lynda has great power and thankfully she only uses it for good.)

I told Lynda yesterday that I would lead the choir if needed but there were several others who also said they could lead. Well, I drew the short straw this morning and could not say no when asked, even though I am no choir director. As I stood in front of a group of 30 or so women whom I love and who dearly loved Debbie, I felt the spirit of the message of that song so strongly. God is my father. He knows me and loves me. I just need to reach out whenever I need Him and He will be there for me.

While I was fighting back tears and trying (and failing) to remember the fermatas we added at the last minute, I had the strong memory come to my mind of all of the times I stood in front of our Primary leading the music, when Debbie was one of the teachers. I remembered her sweet smile and beautiful loving spirit so vividly, it was like she was part of that choir today.

"Walk tall you're a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong - please remember who you are.
Try to understand, you're part of His great plan.
He's closer than you know - reach up, He'll take your hand."