My husband and I just moved our little family to the northeast part of Edmond. We only moved about ten miles from our old house, but it’s closer to where I grew up. I was so excited to have trees in our backyard again and to live so close to the highway.
As I was driving my daughters to our new neighborhood for the first time, my excitement was quickly overshadowed by a memory from high school. There is an intersection where a girl’s life was sadly taken due to a car crash. I realized it would now be a part of my daily drive. Although I hadn’t driven by that intersection in more than 20 years, I had not forgotten.
I didn’t have the honor of knowing Nancy, but I did have the pleasure of knowing her mother, Melinda. She was my church mentor, who was assigned to another girl and I as part of our commitment of faith project. We would drive out to her house for our weekly Bible study and pass the sad spot where her daughter tragically passed away just three years prior. She was a strong Christian woman with such a kind and gentle disposition.
One of Melinda’s goals for us was to dissect and memorize the 23rd Psalm so that we would understand the true meaning of the message. Week by week we studied and rehearsed that scripture. I wouldn’t realize it until later in life, but I truly believe God orchestrated our whole encounter with Melinda. In the midst of her grieving, He was there to comfort her and remind her that there is life beyond the loss of her beloved daughter. I have no doubt He wanted to remind her that He’s with her always.
To this day, the 23rd Psalm is one of my favorite scriptures, not only because it’s a beautiful and powerful interpretation of God’s love for us; but also because, like a good shepherd, God led us into Melinda’s life at the time she needed it the most. Today, I want to encourage you to memorize the 23rd Psalm. It contains powerful words that will speak to you throughout your life.
Jamie Williamson, Director of Human Resources
