"I Remember Love"

John 11:35-36

35Jesus wept. 36Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"

Lazarus had died and bee buried. Jesus arrived after his death. Though He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus still wept as a sign of love.

Yesterday, many of us who attended the University of Maryland College Park aka TERPS4Life, received the sad news of the passing of our beloved friend, LaShema "Sheme" Watson. She died of a massive stroke though not yet 40yrs old. She had a brush with death 3yrs ago this past May. I remember several of us being at her bedside in ICU when the doctors said she wouldn't make it. She refused to believe the report and told her mother not to listen to it either because indeed would get up from the bed of affliction. What upset me was that the very pains she complained about when we last spent time together was indeed what landed her in the hospital. We prayed and stood in agreement with her. Within a matter of 10 days she had arisen in the name of Jesus.

I was overcome with tears several times upon hearing the news yesterday and then having to deliver it to others. One woman handed me a tissue and a grape taffy to help me feel better. God sent His little angels in the form of children throughout who gave me smiles and waves. One little 18month old, who did not know me, left the side of his family to come hold my hand to comfort me in my grieved state though I did not have tears at the moment. I could not help but smile.

My heart hurts for LaShema's mother as she now has to lay her adult child to rest. One truth, never assume your children will outlive you. That is simply taking them for granted. God said He is entrusting them to you, therefore, He can call them back at any time. The Word says that parents are not to exasperate their children. In other words do not harm them.

When I had my very first book signing event, Sheme could not make it but she sent a representative in the form of another friend to purchase a book on her behalf to show her support. She responded to a posting on my facebook wall saying, "I am so proud of you! You said you were going to write a book and you did it!" Just a month ago she responded to a picture I posted of myself and Washington, DC's first female news anchor, J.C. Hayward of Channel 9 News. Sheme inboxed me with additional info to help further my dream.  Second truth, do not assume you have forever to follow a dream and a purpose God has laid on your heart.

Sheme spent her last couple of years in personal development, helping others and traveling-things that were in her heart. One of the greatest memories most of us will have of Sheme is the sincerity of her heart and her capacity to love. Third truth, never assume people know you love them and do not take love for granted. It's always better to show them for love is an action as the apostle Paul states. And Jesus demonstrated His love in His earthly ministry and continues to do so now. When you leave here, you cannot take the money, cars or houses. What you can take with you is love. As Nia Long's character said in the film, Love Jones, "I remember love".

Thank you Sheme for allowing God to use your death as a lesson for us all. As a friend said last night, "she lived and loved".  Thank you for being my sister in Christ, friend and supporter. I will see you on the other side of glory.