Sarah Tripp didn’t pack any bags as she left, but rather left all the things scattered in all the places she lived for others to use in preparation to come on home with her when they, too, have finished living in the testing ground. Her test is over and she passed. Her sickness is over and she is whole. Her battle with the devil and death is over and she is victorious. Her pain is finished and she is at rest. Her incredible struggle with leaving behind is over and she has left. (That’s the hard part for those left behind.)
One simple photo (above) that Lori Morris sent to me yesterday morning speaks volumes about her legacy. (Lori took this shot of her tv screen as she live-streamed at home with a sick child.) Here’s Sarah’s 14-year-old son, David, on the morning after his mother peacefully went away with the angels, at worship services with the church, serving on the communion table and commemorating the One who gave him and Kate and Mike the hope that now sustains them. Coincidentally, it was David’s birthday. (David is just to your right of the table in the photo.)
And then there was this that I read from Kerri Epling yesterday:
It’s funny how you never know when meeting someone will make a difference in your life. Several years ago at PTP, a sweet mama walked up to me while I was taking a short break and said, “You look like a mom and Bible class teacher. You’ll help me.” There was no discussion or chance for protest. She grabbed some of my things and proceeded to lead me to an area where preschool kids were coming in just a few minutes and said, “Someone didn’t show for their time slot. Be a Bible character and tell them a story.” I don’t even remember what character I chose (probably Esther because I had recently taught that in VBS) as she slapped a headpiece on my head and said “you’ll do fine,” but I have remembered her boldness and passion for sharing the gospel ever since. It wasn’t until the class was over that she even told me her name was Sarah, but the sisterhood bond was immediate. We hugged and laughed about it and went about our day afterward, but that moment has always stuck with me.
Sarah lost her earthly battle to cancer last night, and I will forever be impressed with the grace and peace with which she handled the certainty of her passing. Please pray for her husband and children, and if you have the opportunity to share the gospel with someone, be a Sarah! Seize the moment, take the chance, and be bold for Jesus.
I watched the Christmas movie, Klaus, on Vid-Angel, with the grands this weekend. In fact, we were watching it as I learned of Sarah’s passing. It had this recurring theme stated over and over in it: “A true selfless act always sparks another.” We paused the movie to discuss and apply. I told them about Sarah and the blessings of being faithful to Him while we still have time. I believe there will be these sparks until the trumpet blows from the well-lived life of Sarah. It only takes a stroll down memory lane or a scroll down her Facebook page to see the sparks everywhere.
Scripture always says it in the most powerful way. (Of course, it does. It is the breath of God!) Of Abel, the Spirit said “He, being dead yet speaks. Sarah is speaking today. I’m thankful that I knew her.