I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lisa Lee. Although I didn't know her personally, I have heard so very much about her in the past year since I've been back at FBC, that I feel that I do know her through the people we have in common. Rarely have I heard of anyone described with more grace, strength, fortitude, and pure faith in the Lord than I have heard of Lisa. Despite all that she was going through, and I went to her daughter's website, as well as read the very detailed obit in the Poughkeepsie Journal, she kept her dignity and faith as strong as had she been healthy. I can't even imagine how difficult it must have been to not only deal with MS, but also to deal with the MS causing the cancer and other complications to be more severe than any would have been on their own. Just last week in church, they spoke so optimistically about how she was doing, and that she was home, and seemed to be on a positive slope. I was rather shocked to sign into Creekside and see a memorial to her.....I have a stomach virus, and didn't go to church on Sunday 3/2/08, so I didn't already know. So why do I feel a loss for a woman I've never met?? Most likely, it's because I have heard so many positive things about the grace with which she dealt with this ordeal, and would have been honored to have met this most wonderful woman of God. I am grateful that she is finally not in pain, and is with the Lord in Heaven, and I send my most heartfelt regrets to her husband and daughters, as well as the rest of the extended family. I must believe that when the initial shock wears off, most people would probably be grateful that someone they love so much is no longer suffering, and is finally free from pain. As Christians. they have the added comfort of knowing that she is with the Father and Lord Jesus, and that she couldn't possibly be in better hands. That day may not be today or tomorrow....but someday, I hope that the grief is lifted, and that they can rejoice that she is with the other angels. And someday, they will all be reunited in Christ Jesus, as has been promised to us.......may they find comfort from the many friends that they have-I am aware they there are many people who love Lisa and her family right there at Fishkill Baptist, people who cared enough to ensure that she had visitors when she was up to it, and also made sure that Sam had dinner prepared for him when he was finally home-between working and going to the hospital. There are many left behind that love both Lisa and her family, and I am grateful that they won't grieve alone. Lisa is now fine....she will suffer no longer...it's the one's left behind that I'm a bit worried about. Though they have each other, I hope those left behind will find comfort in each other, but mostly, that they will find comfort in the Lord....

God Bless Sam Lee, his family, and their friends................