Choose Joy: Celebrating Sara
I have prayed for mercy.
I have prayed for strength.
I have prayed for words.
One of my best friends is going home to Jesus.
And I am going to really miss her.
In case you haven’t seen the update, hospice is now serving Sara Frankl. And her days here on earth are expected to be few.
Our friendship has been such a beautiful blessing.Never in a million years would I have expected that sweet blog commenter in 2008 to become like family to me.
But that is exactly what she has become.
We have shared in so much – life’s joys and trials, the ordinary and the extraordinary.
As her circumstances got harder, she didn’t complain.
I would call her, and her voice would be hardly audible and full of labored breathing. I would tell her she sounded awful and she would reply, I’m doing okay. How are you?
Sara has been part of my family photo text list (I send lots of pics of the baby), and with each photo she responded with delight.
We have shared a love of television shows (Alias & Damages to name a few), books, scrapbooking, Canon cameras, blogging, (in)courage, and so much more.
Sara is like family to me. She is the biggest gift this blog has brought me.
And visiting her in August with my kids and parents was a memory I will never forget. The joy she exuded as she played cars with Elias and held sweet Adeline was breath-taking. Every time I look at the photos, I cry.
And yesterday, when hospice came, she was consumed with making sure people in her life knew they were loved and that she was ready to be at home in heaven.
She refused the rest her body needed.
She just loved and loved and loved.
Sara’s mantra – Choose Joy – has been an anthem for many, even louder in these past few days.
Selfishly, I am not ready for her to go. But I know God is calling her home and that her legacy will live for generations. She has taught me so much about what it means to run the race well and glorify the Lord in all circumstances.
She lives out eucharisteo – a life of celebrating God’s gifts, right where you are.
Please join me in praying.
Pray for strength and peace for Sara.
Pray for her family who is with her.
Pray for her friends near and far, that they too would have peace.
Pray that God continues to use her story to impact thousands for His glory.
Because, as Sara would say it is all about Him, not her.
I love you, Sara.
Below I have placed a linky for anyone who has written about Sara. I hope that it will be a place that people can read many stories about her impact.
Praying for you Jess. I lost my best friend last November and I know the struggle between joy for her healing and sadness for my loss….Sara was an inspiration to so many and you are so fortunate to call her a friend IRL. What beautiful pics you have of her with your babes….and as they grow you will be able to share her legacy of Joy with them!! Much love coming your way….
Kristin
Those pictures. What gifts! Praying for you, for Sara, for everyone who loves her. Praying for myself that I would learn to choose joy.
The pictures…
these pictures…!
Their own brand of joy. Oh, Jessica, your love for Sara and others is palpable. I’m so thankful the Lord has knitted our paths together.
xo
I’m praying…praying for you and your family who is grieving the loss of a friend. And I’m praying for this beautiful woman of faith tho has lived a life of true, real joy and who has shined Christ to brightly. Thank you for sharing your pictures together, they are truly beautiful.
Sara was so blessed by your visit, Jessica. Her love for you and your family is immense. Her joy knows no bounds, as you so well articulated and photographed. Life as we know it will be forever changed until we meet her again. May God bless and protect your family always.
Jess – Thank you so much for opening your heart and sharing Sara with us. These pictures are pure joy and grace… I have been and will continue to pray for Sara, her family, friends and will rejoice as I am sure we will all hear the angels sing upon her arrival!
much love – Dedra
Hi Jessica,
I live about 10 miles from the address Sara has listed and thought I would see if there is anything that you would like me to do for you for her. I am more than happy to.
Mary
Jessica,
I am praying for you and your family. Those pictures are a treasure…I remember seeing the one of your son playing cars on Sara’s bed and being so impacted by what Sara shared about their game.
You are a delight and I am sure a great joy to Sara. You husband’s words help keep me sane! Thanks for being who you are.
Kim
Jess, I am praying for you and your sweet little family. The pictures are beautiful. I cried thru Sara’s tweets and your’s that August day when you met her in-person. I could feel her excitement thru the screen (and your’s.) You are awesome. She is Awesome. xx
I’ve always been a little envious that you were able to meet sweet Sara and have her become a part of your family. Today, I pray for you, Sara’s family, and of course, Sara.
I have been crying selfish tears at the thought of losing Sara and her blog. And yet, a part of my heart is joyful. Knowing that she will soon be home with our Father and able to dance with her daddy again.
I have been praying since last night for Sara’s friends/family. Staring death in the face with joy is how I want to go out as well. Just like Sara. I’ve been following the various threads and know that in heaven a carpet is already rolled out and the table set for a welcome home celebration. Her legacy will live on, in those who remember, those who remember DAILY in all things, to … choose joy.
i love you, my friend. and i love sara.
mourning and rejoicing with you.
thank you Jessica for doing this… praying with you and Matthew and your sweet littles… holding Sara close to my heart… grieving, rejoicing, praising beyond words today…
Heaven will soon welcome one of its brightest stars. I don’t think Sara will ever know how she touched my life through her words and outlook on life. Praying.
Prayers for Sara, and for you. Prayers of thanksgiving for such an inspiring friendship, for enduring love and sisterhood in Christ. Prayers for strength and an over pouring of grace. Prayers washed in tears.
praying. Sara sounds like an amazing woman.
Just words, that’s all I ever knew of her. It’s all I know of you. Just words. And my heart breaks. And tears keep coming. And I heart “Choose Joy” – and her “little word for the year” “Praise – even in tears. I read of that visit Jessica – the blessing it was for her. Your heart for her is obvious. Your heart for God is obvious. Her heart for God, which pounded like a drum, will even beat harder now. Thank you Jessica. God Bless you.
I love that picture of Elias and Sara playing cars. That is a picture of pure joy.
Now I’m a hot mess. What a wonderful way to honor Sara and the impact she has had on so many. Praying for you, for her, and for all those who love her during this difficult time.
jessica, thanks for thinking to create a place where all of these posts can be viewed! i can’t seem to do anything today but reflect on sara’s life and wonder how close she is to Heaven this hour. i trust there will be an announcement when she is victorious and FREE! i know you and matt are grieving something fierce, but in the midst of that, thanks for making it possible for all of us who love sara to share our thoughts with each other. you made a difference in her life, just like she did in yours.
I can’t even. Not yet. But when I do, I’ll be back.
Beautiful post, Jess. I love you for loving her too.
Thank you Jess…I’m weeping at the recent photos of our beautiful girl. I was so happy when you guys got to be with her…
I’m playing her music and reading these beautiful heart felt tributes .
Sending you love and prayers for Te Father to soothe your broken heart …
I have been blocked from your blog all day (work/school district filters) and I think that it’s a blessing…because the tears are flowing, once again. Have they really stopped – not exactly. My 2nd graders wondered what was wrong and I couldn’t even begin to share with them how much my/our friend Sara has touched and impacted my life.
These pictures are beyond MORE than words could ever describe. I read Sara’s post from your visit and sobbed as I read that, because I could FEEL her emotion through her words. However, SEEING ALL of the pictures again…well, emotions are even stronger.
I know just how MUCH you, Matthew, Elias, and Adeline mean to her ~ and I ALSO know just how MUCH our precious Sara means to EACH of YOU! Your friendship is a BEAUTIFUL example of one of God’s most amazing and earthly BLESSINGS.
Sending you many prayers and HUGS. I know this news of Sara’s limited time left with us, before being welcomed into the arms of Jesus, has NOT been easy. I just pray that you feel the arms of our Lord wrapped around you during this time. We are so blessed to be walking through this as sisters-in-Christ (and brothers).
Love,
Jess
i’ve been praying for sara since i heard and reading each blog i could find that had a post about her today. thanks for your link, because now there are more to read and to remember a life lived well.
when i heard about Sara this morning – -it was the pictures of her with your children that came to mind . .just how happy she looked . ..your visiting was such a blessing to her.
I have admired Sara for awhile — -she has been an amazing example of faith to me. we will all miss her. I am praying she goes home easily . .no pain. and i’m keeping her family and friends in my prayer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
So, so sorry…Sara looks so full of life in the pictures with your kids…you captured such special moments you will treasure forever. Praying for Sara and everyone in her life. 🙁
Oh, Jess….my heart is breaking for you and all the loved ones who have to wish sweet Sara an earthly farewell. Praying so hard that Jesus will continue to fill all of you with His strength and comfort. Sara is an awesome person, and her life has touched so many in such an enormously positive way! What a truly beautiful legacy she will leave, and what beautiful pictures to remember her by! With heartfelt love, Carmen
jessica,
sara has been someone i have wanted to know but haven’t been keeping up well with anyone lately.
my heart grieves over not knowing her more, better.
what a beautiful tribute you and her other friends leave for her. in these last days of hers, she has left a lasting impact on me to always, always ‘choose joy’.
i am so sorry you’re losing your friend. i don’t know if you’ve experienced such a great loss before, and i don’t mean this to sound trite AT ALL (people say such stupid things when someone dies if they haven’t been through it before – they mean well, though), but it’s amazing the closeness we feel to those who go on before us. i know you will feel her deeply in your spirit once she crosses over.
hugging you hard right now in your waiting, in your grieving.
xo
Jessica,
Too often, too late, we realize we should have spent more time getting to know someone. I feel that way about Sara. I had followed her blog for a few years and then last year, (because of stuff I was going through, helping to usher a loved one into Glory) I dropped out of the loop. Now I wish that I had stayed and drew more from this sweet lady. My prayers are with each person connected to her ministry and her life. My prayers are with her, saddened to loose a physical presence, gladden that soon, she will have no pain, no restraints, only Glory, only Jesus, only God! Thank you for sharing your friend with us.
So grateful to you, Jessica, for creating this spot for the stories of Sara to shine.
Thank you, Jessica, for loving Sara so well and for being such a good friend to her. Thank you for creating this page for us to all come together to celebrate Sara, her life, and her example.
I praise the Lord for the ways he has used Sara’s words and her blog to encourage me. I look forward to meeting her in Heaven one day.
I just heard about this today and have been reading the many beautiful blog posts about her. My heart is breaking. Praying
Jessica: As a fellow Cross Point-er please know how much I am praying for you and your beautiful family as you prepare to say goodbye to a beautiful shining light of Jesus on earth! Oh, how wonderful to think of her being in no more pain, no more crying out, no more labored breaths…only rejoicing and dancing around the throne of God…with her Daddy and others who have gone before! Praying for Sara and for all of you, as you all prepare mentally and spiritually for her homegoing.
Blessings,
Lisa
beautiful, jess.
my heart is happy you and the kids got to see sara. what a gift that was.
Your tribute to your brave and beautiful friend Sara has been beautiful beyond words to me and so many others. Blessings to you and Matt, and everyone else, for being there for Sara. Like so many others, I didn’t know her very well and have only recently heard of her struggles and her joyful and gracious faith. I have missed out, I tell you! I too look forward to seeing her dance in her Father’s house one day and pray for comfort and peace for all who know and love her. God bless and keep all of you.
Jess, thank you for loving Sara like you do. I remember skyping with her about 2 weeks before your visit, and she couldn’t contain her excitement. Seeing the pictures of her playing with Elias and holding Adeline, you could tell the joy that was in her heart.
I’ll link up soon. It’s hard. I don’t want to talk about her in the past tense.
Thank you for your friendship to our girl.
Thank you so much for creating this spot for honoring Christ in Sara. Your gorgeous photos made me cry, too, but I’m so grateful you got to know her in person and she got to hold your baby. She has been in my prayers almost daily since I read her first (in)courage post and started following her blog, and her example inspired me to start blogging when I became homebound for a while because of lupus. It looks like God is granting a different kind of healing than I asked for, but I’m so happy she will soon be pain-free for good.
Boring administrative note: After I linked up here, I went back to edit your link into my post and the post disappeared completely for 10 or 15 minutes while my good husband helped me fix whatever I’d done. It’s back now… I apologize for the mistake and any dead clicks resulting from it.
My eyes are filled with tears and my heart is a jumble of mixed up emotions in finding out that my dear sister-in-Christ Sara is going home to be with the One who loves us both. I rejoice for Sara because she will be with Jesus, I’m envious for the same reason, and I rejoice because her body will be whole! However, I weep because I won’t ever have the chance to meet her on this side of heaven. Oh, how I had wished to connect and have the opportunity to come from Kansas City to her home and meet her for a day! Abba Jesus, lift up my dear precious friend in Your arms as she moves toward the moment she will meet you face-to-face. I ask you to bring much grace to her and all of her family in this process. In the name of the lover of our souls, Yeshua (Jesus), amen. We shall meet eventually, Sara. Love you, sister. Daniel
I found Sara through your blog. I have been blessed by her blog in so many ways, so I have to thank you for that. My heart breaks for you and for her friends and family. I cry selfish tears at the loss it will be for those of us who will left behind without her and her beautiful soul. She inspires me, she blesses me with her words, she has taught me to choose joy. And I will never forget that or forget her. Back when she could still paint I won a canvas from her, it hangs by my front door. It will always remind me of her and will always remind me to choose joy, I love that.
I will be thinking of and praying for you right along with Sara and the rest of her friends and family.
Jess,
I have followed Sara’s blog for awhile—my life is another one changed by her words, her heart, typed out on a screen. She never knew me, (I only commented a few times, darn that insecurity) but I have been totally impacted by her choice of Joy, and her unwavering trust in our Jesus.
My trust in the goodness of God is deeper…because of Sara.
My thankfulness for the life I have has skyrocketed…because of Sara.
My attitude is more humble, more gracious…because of Sara.
My desire to open myself up to deeper friendships, true heart connections, is stronger…because of Sara.
Praying for you and everyone close to her…so glad she has such amazing friends and family…so glad you all have her.
Jen
ps—“Joy is in our Hearts” by Sara Groves on itunes…seems fitting. xo
Praying. She is such an amazing woman, and I am praying for her and her family and friends right now. She has lived out the idea of ‘choosing joy’ best of anyone I’ve ever known.
Cxx
Sometimes when the body fails, the Spirit soars. May we all soar with her.
The Lord is truly amazing, bringing me right now, and not before, to this point in Sara’s journey, just when I needed all of you. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, I love the stories, I love the tributes. What joy to see Jesus’ church connected together and knit with priceless thread binding all of you who have loved her and will love her through eternity. Thank you Sara for being the willing seamstress and thank you to all the others who have touched her or been touched by her. What joy to see His masterpiece — He directed a lovely colorful quilt sewn carefully and thoughtfully together with strings of thread from each of your hearts. I pray for Sara and for all of you, stay in the shadow of HIS wings.
I have to admit that I’ve been in the valley today. Trying to claw my way back up the mountain. I sat in church this morning in my usual seat in the choir loft. As I sat and listened to the offetory being played, I met with God. He spoke to my heart and brought Sara to my mind. Sweet Sara whom I’ve only know for a few days, but feel as if I’ve known forever. Sweet Sara with a sweet spirit that has touch my very soul. I listened as the pianst played and the words flowed through my mind and heart….words that will soon come to pass.
Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Thro’ the storm, thro’ the night, Lead me on to the light. Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
When my way grows drear, Precious Lord, linger near, when my life is almost gone. Hear my cry, hear my call, Hold my hand lest I fall. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.
I love you Sara….I’m finding the joy….what a joy to see our Savior’s face and take his precious hand. Give him a big hug from me.
Hi Jess… I’m Sara’s friend, Susie (aka SuzaLuza). You may remember that I had Rylie when you came to visit Sara! I’ve heard so much about you, Matthew, Elias, and Adeline. Sara adored all of you. I’m so glad you had your special day with Sara… she enjoyed all of you SOOO much! I LOVE the pictures that you captured that day – Sara had shared them with me that day when I brought Rylie back to her condo. She has been such an unbelievable gift to me and my family and as I’m reading all of the stories here I’m relishing in the fact that she was a gift to more people than I even imagined. I’m glad so many people were able to receive that gift even though she was confined to her condo. She had SO much to give and the computer allowed her to do just that – give to others. Sara is my world and my heart aches to think of the days ahead… but as I told her as we held each other last Tuesday… I am so, so happy for her. And she replied, “I’m happy for me too.” I am glad you’ll be coming for her funeral – I look forward to meeting you… Thank you for setting up your blog so I have the opportunity to read so many touching stories. Blessings to you.
Oh, I see so many beautiful words about a beautiful person that I never met in person. I read your blog via Faith Barista and even read about the trial through your disease . Yes, I wondered how she could have kept herself so upbeat in the midst of it. All I know is, it had to be JESUS. I cry right now, not because I don’t believe it possible to make it through this the way she has, I cry with the joy of knowing that God is pleased with the way she handled her journey. I didn’t have to meet Sara, to love her, and I didn’t have to develop a relationship with her personally to be inspired by her life. I read and re-read that one word for 2011… “PRAISE.” Sara, I know you were talking about the Only One who is praise worthy, but Sara I’m praising God for you right now. It’s been a joy to “know” you in this short time and I am praising God for just allowing me to find you. It has been a true gift I am very thankful for. Gitz Girl, you will always rock in my heart and you are going to be missed.
I met Sara through her blog last Thursday and it is amazing how she has touched my life in only a few days. Her joy is contagious even through this hardship time. I have been thinking and praying for her since then. I find myself suddenly thinking of her beautiful spirit and how she has shown me what is really important in life. I keep praying that as she makes her journey HE is there with her showing her the way. And to you, thank you for being such a precious friend to her. I am sure she knows how much she is loved.
I wanted to share what I wrote about Sara, but the linky tool is gone! I love this woman so much, even having never met her. She has changed my life and the way that I live by reminding me where to look for my help.
I am not a new believer, but through these beautiful messages I am a new believer in JOY! Through Ann Voscamp’s book and this and other encouragers, I at 75 am learning more than I have over those years. Eucharisteo is part of my life now, and I thank God for those ardent Christians who take the time to share their joy even in the imminent loss (to us, not to God) of a dear friend.
I learned of Sara from a blog just about an hour ago, and I already love her! What a glorious life and soul, and how dear she is to so many people. I am praying for all who surround her, as she makes her journey home to her Lord Jesus. He awaits her with loving arms and an eternal love. I pray that those left behind will remember that it is but for a brief season until we shall all meet again…
God Bless you all, and thank you for sharing your lovely Sara with the rest of us!
Jess,
I first “met” you through the Bloom book club. I so enjoy the club, and all the (in)Courage ladies! I will be praying for you, as well as for Sara and her family. I know what it is to deeply grieve over the loss of ones loved. My post today is about, home. Home is where Sara’s heart is….home is where Jesus is. The pain of missing her….but, the JOY of knowing she will be truly at home.
Jessica, Thank you for sharing your love of Sara and her story. What a blessing. We so need believers to show us dying grace and Sara has shown us through her words and the words of those who love her. God bless you and those who love her. Her joy will be complete when she is absent from the body and present with the Lord. We are all praising Him with her.
She truly is an inspiration.
Jess,
Thank you so much for this; the joy of holding your sweet girl bubbled through our friend…she LOVES all of you so much, just as you love her. I am praying for your hearts. I’m so thankful for all of the ways that you love her, even now.
Thank you for allowing us to share our heartfelt stories of Sara even though we’ve never physically met her. Thank you for the way you loved her and always will.
My thoughts and prayers are with her and all her loved ones. I have only recently come across Sara’s story and all I can think of is Wow what an amazing woman. Praying for peace and joy.
Em
from Australia
Hi,
You are in my thoughts and prayers – what I lovely tribute to such a good friend. I just met Sara last week and she is truly amazing and she is going to have such an impact on my life and the lifes of others. She is truly beautiful inside and out and love her dog Riley. She is a special person and will be a beautiful Angel, Singing and Dancing before Her Lord.
HI, I heard of Sara through my neighbor who has a blog. This story is so touching. My eight year old son has stage IV neuroblastoma a nasty form of childhood cancer. We have dealt with his devestating sidkness for over a year now. He is a super sweet,smart,funny and loving little boy. The joy of my life. I dont know what I would do without him. Sara’s attitude toward her illness, life and going to God is amazing. It truley helps me to look at my and my sons situation with a bit more peace. Thank you and Sara for all you have written and helped me. God bless you all. Megan Pagel(Kyles mommy)
Thank you for putting life and love in perspective! Sara is a brave and beautiful example of Christ’s best work in us – cracked and broken vessels…
Wow! What an amazing testimony to choose joy in sadness, in death, and in new life. Oh, the legacy that Sara is leaving behind to those that need joy and hope in their lives. Just her three words “I choose joy” have changed many hearts, lives, and families. She has brought much glory for her Father in heaven here on earth.
Praying for Sara and her family. And you.
Dear Sara, Even though I have never met you I have read a part of your story — and have prayed for you today. We have been blessed to have you in our world — as you begin your journey for a body that is whole, may God continue to enfold you in His loving and caring arms and, when the time is exactly right, bring you into His awesome presence. Thank you for being an inspiration to us and letting us know what joy can look like even in the midst of not the finest circumstances. You are loved.
I only learned about Sara yesterday, and have read so much of her blog and about her from other people, and am thinking of her and praying for her today. I have many difficulties in my own life but reading about hers as well as her wonderful spirit have been such an encouragement to me already. Peace to you, Sara.
I finally was able to sit down and write something…thanks so much for doing this. Sara is an amazing person and it is awesome to see how many hundreds of people have been impacted by her! She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in all of us who have been blessed to know her. My heart goes out to her family and close friends…my heart is aching and my interactions with her were all online and “random”, but each and every one was special.
Take care.
Eternal rest grant unto Sara, O, Lord, and may Your perpetual light shine upon her, as her light shines upon us.
She will be missed, but what a comfort to know she watches over us.
With loving prayers for her family, we humbly thank Sara for her gifts.
very pretty tribute. i ididn’t know Sara, in fact i just came across her blog and many tributes tonight. but she and all of this is very inspiring. it even made me write about her, someone i didn’t even know, because reading what she wrote was that inspiring. it’s lovely what you’ve all done and it’s great to see how many cared 🙂