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.

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Akhenaton

mail@pharaohsprotege.com

Opening remarks ‘Gone too soon’ adapted from Michael Jackson’s song ‘Gone too soon’ 1991

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)

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