The Encourager – January 21, 2025 – Die Like Kris

I want to die like Kris. For years, Kris and her husband sat in front of us every week at church. We always spoke. She said she loved hearing several of us who sang in harmony behind her, and she enjoyed my occasional humorous quips during the service. Ten years younger than me, she was full of pep.

For a time, Kris was in remission for breast cancer. Then it came back. Her family, church, and friends supported her throughout the journey, with regular prayer and practical help. She had surgeries and treatments, but the disease marched on relentlessly, spreading to other parts of her body. The turning point came when she was told that there was nothing left to do. She could choose to have yet another surgery which might prolong her life for a few more weeks, or she could stop. Kris chose, in her words, “quality of life over quantity of life.”

And what a quality life she lived! Kris was an ordinary woman: not glamorous, not famous, not powerful. But there were easily 500 people at her funeral, and countless more who couldn’t attend, including many young people whose lives were affected by her passion for sharing the gospel via Young Life. Up until the end, she and John enjoyed every moment they could, doing life and ministry together. She continued to welcome family and friends, then took naps. She loved. She sang. She prayed. She kept the faith.

Our encounters at church were a poignant reminder of the brevity of life. We watched as Kris grew weaker and more frail each week. But we also saw something else: Kris radiated the joy of the Lord. She had an amazing testimony of unshakeable faith in Christ, no matter what! The last time I spoke with her, we had just heard a sermon about Heaven, our true and better Home. After the service, I asked her if she believed this. She said, “Yes, I do” with a beautiful smile on her face. Thanks be to God! That day and every day, she was just glowing with love and joy! And despite her diminished energy she took time to thank me for being “an unexpected source of encouragement.” God did this!

To the world at large, Kris was unremarkable. But to those who were privileged to know her, she had a remarkable testimony: a life devoted to the Lord and His kingdom, a life well lived. She was an influencer of the best kind. She knew Jesus personally, and I am confident that He personally welcomed her Home. Her seat in church is empty, but now she can sing with angelic choirs and all the saints who have gone before. Our loss is her gain.

Oh Lord Jesus, thank You for this dear friend. What a shining example of the Holy Spirit’s work! Let me live like Kris. Grow in me Your love and joy. And when my time comes, let me die like Kris. May I have that peace that shines with hope! May I encourage others in the faith. Thank You Jesus for preparing a place for us where there is no more suffering, only rejoicing in our loving Savior. Thank You for the love that never fails.

God is faithful,
j