Just something I was thinking about...

Sometimes things just move you, shake your to the core, cause you to reevaluate, cause you to ache for someone you don't even know...


Not long ago, I talked about the amazing church group I found 8 years ago at the Alameda Church of Christ in Norman. How after graduation I moved back to Edmond, but my friendships did not fade. That, in fact, over the last year my friendships from that congregation have grown...and I've even made new ones. The love and support the women of this congregation show each other is nothing short of inspiring, and I feel blessed to have just a piece of that.


When I went to Alameda, I knew of Mark and Melinda Evans. They were supporters of the campus ministry there, and a dynamic couple that everyone knew of. I didn't get to know them more than just in passing, but how was I to know I missed a true opportunity? It was only a few short years later that Melinda's name began to come up in my conversations with my Norman friends. Melinda had been diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer.


The group at Alameda did more than just mention Melinda. There was an active prayer program. Active support while Melinda was in treatment. Hours of babysitting, tons of food, research by many members to understand the disease, countless conversation to keep spirits up, and so many other things that makes having a church family one of the greatest investments you can make. And then there was the group that began walking for Melinda. Walking at the Oklahoma City Race for the Cure, walking in Texas walks, walking around the neighborhood to get ready for the Races. That was something they could do--walk for awareness.


Melinda fought the cancer, and ironically it wasn't what killed her. She was 31 years old, and fought back to be a cancer survivor, a mother, a wife, a friend, a daughter. She died Friday after complications from a reconstructive surgery. I don't know the whole story, and I don't pretend to know Melinda very well. I don't pretend to think I will miss her like any other of her close friends will. I don't pretend to comprehend what her husband and three beautiful children will face.


But this I can say--find a church family. Make the investment. The love and hope that I have experienced through Melinda's battle has come from her friends. I'm inspired, and I feel like I know this woman because of their commitment to her. I am so sad, and I feel like I knew her. It's a testament to the legacy she's leaving behind with those she touched.

Pam, Jenny, Amy, Michelle, Cary have all written beautiful posts about Melinda. Each describes her a different way, and Amy's is particularly telling. You can also find out more about her battle and her beautiful family. Sometimes, it's important for us to pray for people we don't know...and I think everyone touched by Melinda Evans needs prayers right now.

And thank you to my church family in Edmond....because I know if I were to face these same challenges, I would have that same support.

Just something I was thinking about....