When Love Carries On

God has certainly gifted me with true-to-life human interest stories lately. And, it sure gives me pause to craft a blog about them. Here's an example:

On December 23rd, dear friends said goodbye to their beautiful daughter, Lisa Samuelson Cole -- known to many as Mama Cole. She was just 59 when she stepped into heaven. A couple of weeks ago, we gathered for her Celebration of Life, and I left changed.

Lisa lived a life that mattered. She poured herself into service, working in nursing with a focus on trauma and emergency preparedness. In other words, she ran toward brokenness when others ran away. Compassion wasn’t just something she believed -- it’s how she lived.

The memorial service itself packed a holy punch. Familiar hymns filled the room -- songs that many of us learned long before we could spell their titles. Amazing Grace. Blessed Assurance. Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know. In the Sweet By and By. We didn’t need the words printed. They were already written on our hearts.

And then there was Lisa's dear, precious, 89-years-old father, Phil Samuelson. Stately, determined and beautifully leading us in singing those old songs. His voice was strong, steady, full of faith and carried generations of hope. In that moment, heaven felt close. Very close.

It’s often said that parents should never have to bury their children. And yet, I watched two brave, broken-hearted parents do just that -- with grief, yes, but also with confidence. Not because it didn’t hurt, but because they know exactly where their daughter is. Their sorrow is real, but so is their hope.

That’s the kind of faith that doesn’t shout -- it sings -- and in Phil's case -- it was belted out with absolute resolve.

This Celebration of Life stirred something deep within me. It reminded me that how we live matters. The words spoken about Lisa made me want to live brighter, love deeper, and serve more intentionally. To live with eternity in mind.

Jesus said it best: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Lisa did that. And now, her light carries on -- through memories, through music, and through the quiet courage of parents who keep walking forward, held by grace!

May we all live in such a way that love continues long after we’re gone. May our own legacy carry on faithfully for generations!