Remarks at Lisa Francois’ Funeral
February 20, 2009
Full (unedited) text of my remarks at Lisa Francois’ Funeral Service February 20, 2009.
Like a Comet blazing ‘Cross the evening sky she was gone Too Soon. Like a rainbow fading in the twinkling of an eye; she was gone too soon. Shiny and sparkly and splendidly bright; here one day, gone one night.
Like the loss of sunlight on a cloudy afternoon; she was gone too soon. Like a perfect flower that is just beyond your reach; gone
too soon.
Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight; here one day, gone one night. Like a sunset dying with the rising of the moon, gone too soon.
Funeral Service for Lisa Francois at New Life Adventist Church in Brooklyn, NY
And many a time, I’ve asked God why so soon? Why now, why then, why that way? Why Lisa? Why would He take away my best friend of over eight years? The person who mother, Marie Jeffers considered to be her second daughter of over 12 years. The person that took care of my little brother when my parents traveled.
She had such a such a promising future; such bright eyes, (PAUSE) that bright smile, very simple. She was also very competitive, I remember her teasing me for going on roller coasters that I wouldn’t dare go onto. She gave great advice, but more importantly, she was a great listener. And I keep asking God, why did you take her away?
But while, while the answer to that question remains elusive, even now while my spirit is broken; through all the sadness that has swept over me, there is a deep rooted sense of hope in my heart.
I feel a deep sense hope for all who have been touched by the virtuous life that Lisa Francois lived. I see hope for her family and friends and everyone gathered here to celebrate her life because if only we were to emulate just a few, just a few of her qualities, we would help make this world a better place.
While the road is tough right now, even while we may never understand why she was taken away from us so suddenly, I know for certain, I know for certain that we will be okay. We will be okay because even though right now our spirits may be broken, we are resilient.
We will be okay because we have HOPE that we will see her again one day . We will be okay because we will get through this valley together.
More importantly, we will be okay mostly because the same faith that Lisa held on to; that mercy seat where Lisa Francois found hope, comfort and solace, it is available to us- this very moment.
May she rest in peace, but moreover, may WE find peace in this storm.
Click here for photos
Akhenaton
mail@pharaohsprotege.com
Opening remarks ‘Gone too soon’ adapted from Michael Jackson’s song ‘Gone too soon’ 1991
Eerie message on my Starbucks cup
February 20, 2009
I seldom read the messages on my regular (Starbucks) cups of Green Tea, but the message on the cup I just picked up at the Starbucks Cafe on my way home from my best friend’s funeral most definitely stood out. Here’s what it said.
The way we get to live forever is
through memories stored in the
hearts and souls of those whose
lives we touch. That’s our soul
print. It’s our comfort, our
emotional nourishment at the end
of the day and the end of a life.
How wonderful that they are called
up at will and savored randomly.
It seems to me we should spend our
lives in a conscious state of
creating these meaningful moments
that live on. Memories matter.
~Leeza Gibbons
(Television and radio personality)
Overcoming Temptation
February 15, 2009
Presented by Pastor Ann Roda of New Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fulton, MD.
The enemy’s (Satan) been defeated!
February 15, 2009
Check out this outstanding presentation put on during yesterday’s worship at my home church New Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fulton, MD. My cousin, Mariah is part of the Youth Praise Dance Team. Ministering is the New Hope Youth Praise Dance Team, New Hope Praise Team and the Washington Brazilian Choir. For more information about New Hope, visit www.loookingforachurch.org
Funeral Arrangements for Lisa Francois
February 15, 2009
As promised, here are the details for the Celebration of the life of Lisa Francois.
Viewing of body: Thursday, February 19, 2009 from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Service: Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 6:30pm
Repast: To follow after Service at 8pm
New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church
885 Thomas Boyland Street
Brooklyn, NY 11212 Click here for directions
Phone: 718-342-6829
Burial: Friday, February 20, 2009 at 9 a.m.
Gather at R. Steven LeGall Home for Funerals
169 Empire Blvd.
Brooklyn, NY 11225 Click here for directions
718-722-7800
Love…the action word…
February 14, 2009
I just got off the phone with a friend who was angry that her boyfriend was yet to call or give her a gift for Valentine’s Day.
As great as it is to hear them, the words “I love you” do not always suffice for me. ‘Love’ is meaningless minus action. It is the ‘actions’ of another individual that can prove or disprove their love.
I have no doubts that my parents and other loved ones love me; that is because this was proven and continues to be proven
to me from time to time.
I have no doubt that God loves me; that is when I take into account that He sent His only Son to die for me so that I would have the opportunity to receive the free gift of salvation.
The Bible speaks of love as an action word in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It is described as patient and kind. It goes on to say that it (love) does not envy or boast and is not proud. It is not rude, nor is it self-seeking. Love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs… and always protects, trusts, hopes and preserves.
The five languages of love according to Author Gary Chapman are quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Mother Theresa of Calcutta once said that “good works are links that form a chain of love”.
Now, the aforementioned are obviously idealistic. We are humans which means that we are fallible. Lovers, friends and family tend to test our love from time to time. But love is not about feelings, it’s about choices. God gave us the power to choose how we respond, how we respond or act out in different circumstances. How should we respond? Take another look at that Bible Verse in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Today as we celebrate St Valentine’s Day, let us not get so caught up in what commercialism has made the day to be that we forget what it truly represents.
St Valentine’s Day is not about Cupid, red hearts and bouquets of roses (not that there is anything wrong with those things). St Valentine’s Day is about a four letter word that for me is an action word. That action word is ‘love’.
This St Valentine’s Day, may ‘love’ not just be a noun for you, but an action word.
Wishing you love and a Happy St Valentine’s Day!
Akhenaton
mail@pharaohsprotege.comAkhenaton
Remembering Lisa, finding hope
February 10, 2009
In loving memory- Lisa Francois
I lived on the same street as Lisa for many years, we went to the same church, sang in the same choirs and shared many of the same friends. I only bonded with Lisa, however, when we both moved to the United States about eight years ago- to two different States.
For the past eight years, we spoke on the phone almost every day, encouraging each other, praying with each other or just for talking sake. She was a great friend. I miss her dearly. I missed her more so in the past couple days every time I looked down at my phone and had to stop myself from dialing her number.
It hurts. And I will be blunt with you right now. I am angry with God and I am sure some of you feel the same way not only because she was taken away from us so suddenly, but because of how she was taken away from us.
In the last few days, many times I’ve asked God Why? Why Lisa? Why now? Why then? In the mean time, though, while the answer to those questions remain elusive, even now while my spirit is broken, through all the sadness that has swept over my heart, I see a glimmer of hope.
I see hope for all who have been touched by the life of Lisa Francois. I see hope for her family who are still blessed to have her mom and dad here with us. I see hope for you and me.
Can we make it through this? Can we make it through this difficult time? I say yes we can. Can we make it through this valley? Yes we can. Can we overcome this season of hurt? I say yes we can.
By the grace of God we will prevail. We will prevail because we have hope. We will prevail because we are strong. We will prevail because the same faith that Lisa held on to; where she found hope, comfort and solace, is available to us- this very moment.
With love,
Akhenaton
mail@pharaohsprotege.com
The first tear
February 9, 2009
Myself, Lisa and my mom when she visited us during Christmas of 2005
I just shed my first tear. I guess it’s just beginning to sink in as I receive email notifications and comments on my blog and Facebook Note as those who know Lisa reminisce on the great life that she lived.
My camera is still in the car parked outside from yesterday. Perhaps in the back of my head, I still envision that my phone would ring and I would hear her cheerful voice asking when I’d drive by to pick her up to go hang out.
I want this nightmare to end. This very moment. Right now.
Rest in Peace- Lisa Francois
February 8, 2009
This is something I refuse to believe, I cannot come to terms with and accept what I heard about an hour ago. Lisa Francois, one of my best friends, someone I have spoken with on the phone almost every day for the past eight years (including this morning) passed away.
I spoke to Lisa this morning as she was traveling to Maryland from New York, we were making plans for tonight- bowling.
She was in New Jersey when we spoke, “we are stuck in traffic, the GPS said that I would get there at 2:41″. Those were the last words that I heard from Lisa at 11:34am this morning.
Sigh
UPDATE: News Story from WBAL 1680
One Dead, Two Hurt In I-95 Crash
Saturday, February 07, 2009
WBAL Radio as reported by Robert Lang
Maryland State Police are investigating a Saturday afternoon crash on I-95 in Harford County that killed one person and injured two others.
Troopers say the crash occurred on I-95 southbound near the Churchville exit around 2:30 p.m., when a car crossed two lanes of travel and then flipped over several times, before landing against a tree. All three people in the car were trapped inside.
Troopers say the backseat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. It took rescue crews more than two hours to get the victims out of the car. The driver and front seat passenger were flown to Shock Trauma.
State Police kept I-95 southbound closed for two hours while the victims were being removed from the car.
The left shoulder and left lane was reopened to traffic after 4:30 p.m., and the entire highway was open by 6:15 p.m.
The victims’ names have been withheld pending family notification.
Celebrate Recovery
February 7, 2009
Written for www.pharaohsprotege.com/blog
Last night I attended ‘Celebrate Recovery‘ at Church of the Redeemer in Gaithersburg, MD after hearing the announcement during last weekend’s worship service. That was a program I felt I needed to attend because my personal walk has left for a great want for a gospel (of which I am well aware of the theoretical) to be substantiated by and through what is concurrent to the theory but is practical, real-life and relevant.
Celebrate Recovery has been hosted by Church of the Redeemer for over ten years, existing to introduce God’s healing power through Christ-centered Twelve Steps and eight Recovery Principles found in the Beatitudes. There are thousands of Celebrate Recovery programs offered throughout the country.
Last night’s program (Friday night Live) was a celebration of the recovery of those who, through grace, have been living a life of sobriety or abstinence. As I asserted earlier, I was anxious to hear and see first hand God in action because sermons, Christian Music and even the Bible for me was losing steam.
Last night, God became real, relevant and even a necessity as I sat in a room full of about one hundred and fifty individuals who without shame and without the fear of being judged, spoke openly about how God delivered or has been delivering them from (among other things) substance abuse, anger, co-dependency and depression.
While I still to some degree find God to be elusive, even insane and ridiculous at times; last night, as life experiences were verbalized, with intense clarity, I saw a God who is powerful enough to transform lives by and through grace and the love and support of grace-filled believers.
Read a related article ‘Where it’s okay to just talk’ here
Find a Celebrate Recovery program in your area here
