Josiah Berger

Josiah David Berger's memorial service was today at Grace Chapel. I am continually amazed at what the Lord is, does and continues to do. He is the same. We change, and if we know Him, we get to get glimpses of what Christ is like as He changes us. A tear, a song, a smile, a hug, a word, a truth--peace.

I didn't know Josiah. I know his father as pastor of Grace Chapel where I have been attending since January. I drive about an hour on Sunday, when I attend, and everytime I drive out to Leiper's Fork, I think this is too far. "Lord, surely you have another church closer in for me." Then, I arrive...and The Church, is what it should be...loving, welcoming, spirit-filled. I am home. I have fallen in love with Grace Chapel and pastor Steve. I was going to tell him how his message brings such truth and hope to my spirit. I was planning to tell him that his messages are right on with what the Lord is teaching me. I was planning to tell him how much he has meant to me the past few months--even though he doesn't know me. I was planning to tell him that I love him, even though he doesn't know me. I was planning to tell him last Saturday at the "new members" class. Then, his son left this earth and went to heaven...and everything changed.

The faith, strength and devotion to the Lord that the Berger family has shown through this, has changed me forever. I want to be better, serve better, live better...and LOVE better. I want to know YOU more, Lord. I want my life to be an example for others. I want others to look at my life and say ...she served the Lord with all she had. I look at my life today, and I see blemishes, scars, bumps, messiness and ugliness. I want to be clean, white as snow, just like I was on the day HE found me. I want to be forgiven. I want a fresh new start. I want a second chance, or more like a 55th chance. Again Lord. I am asking again. Please Lord, can I have another chance. I have failed you over and over....and in this young boy's passing, I see that my life must matter and it must matter for YOU. I must live everyday as if it were my last, loving you, loving others and claiming the freedom that you died for. You already did it. You already paid the price. I repent, turn away from the sin I have commited and I run toward you ...towards the prize. I claim my forgiveness and I say Halleluia, May the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord reign down on us and change us FOREVER and Ever.