The memorial service to honor
Karen and Joe are so grateful for all the visits, love, encouragement and support everyone has shown these past days. At this time they are doing all the preparations for the Memorial Service so we are requesting that you call first before you come.
They also have family, relatives and friends coming in from the mainland for the memorial so I suggest we delay the visits until after next week. See you all at the service on Sunday, 4PM...
Thank you ...
Liza
Interesting thing happened at church on Sunday. Our guest speaker, Danny Lehman, asked at the opening of his teaching who among us likes going to a funeral. Without second thoughts, without hesitation, I raised my hand. My hubby looked at me with a "are you crazy kind of look" and that's when I realized I was the only one (among hundreds) who raised a hand. I think Danny wasn't even expecting that someone would raise his/her hand....and so from the stage (or pulpit as others would call it), Danny mentioned, "there's only one hand raised, and she is right"....
Not that I don't feel sad when people die...but attending funeral services (or memorial services) makes me reflect about life and death and that aligns my perspective....
In Psalm 39:4-5 David wrote:
"Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreathe, the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you".
* This post was originally published at Liza's Eyeview on 6-10-07.
The loss of Joey is so profound and deep and heartwrenching, that it is almost unbearable at times. It helps so much that others know that and care. We don't know how we are ever going to resume "normal" lives again. We just long for his presence and yearn for one more day with him. Life feels empty without him. Whenever he walked into a room he brought happiness, humor, and love with him and gave it out generously. He was full of excitement for life and lived so much in the moment. He was engaged and involved and aware of each one of us and what we were feeling and doing. He was just such a rich and giving person and we feel so much poorer without him.
Tawny left this comment in one of the posts but she requested me to post it up also so that many will see. To understand more of what Karen and Joe are going through at this time, please read Karen's latest note HERE
Aloha Everyone,
I just left the Johnsons house. It was so good to see them. I know so many of us are wondering how we can be there for them and help. What they are needing during this time is fellowship. They would love people to stop by and visit with them. The hard part for them is being alone. Please feel free to stop by and visit. You don't need to call in advance just stop by. The outside gate to the condo is open so just come on in. They also wanted me to mention to everyone that they appreciate the phone calls and to keep them comming but it is to hard to return all of them. So please don't take offense if they don't call you back. They continually look at the blog so keep the comments comming as well. Even if you don't know what to say just a simple we are thinking of you means the world to them. So if you have some time please stop by and show your love and support to them and help them thru this difficult time they are going thru.
Aloha,
Tawny
UPDATE:
Many friends responded to this post by Tawny and Kristen's e-mail. I think many are just not sure where Karen and Joe's comfort level is in terms of being surrounded with people at this time, but when it was made known that they do want to be around friends, many started coming to visit. I stopped by there this afternoon and there were a lot of visitors pouring love to Karen and Joe.
I moved Karen's latest note up top so that many will have a glimpse of their pain and sorrow. Yes, they do trust the Lord and are peaceful that Joey is now in heaven, but there's also a part of them that's grieving....
Below is a letter sent to Karen and Joe. I thought it would be neat to share this with us all because it shows how Joey's memorial Service in LA was used (and is being used) by God to touch lives ...
Dearest Karen and Joe,
You and your precious family have been on my heart for the last two weeks, but especially since attending Joey's unbelievable memorial service Sunday. I didn't know Joey very well, only what I learned via our conversations at the CPC (Crisis Pregnancy Center). BUT, after Sunday's service, I feel like I know him better as a result of the "stories" told about him by your family, Kevin, and Rachel.
What awesome testimonies were shared about this precious young man! And I am sure, if others were allowed to share their experiences with Joey, we'd still be sitting in church hearing about the lives he's touched.
Joe, thank you for "letting us in" and sharing those wonderful stories about your spontaneous trips with Joey. I loved the way you explained that Joey HAD to squeeze in so much of life, and if you hadn't shown him how, he may not have experienced so much. And, I'll never sing "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord" without seeing you standing to your feet holding your grandbaby in one arm, and raising the other to God. What you couldn't see behind you is that everyone rose to their feet along with you. Joe, that was a powerful moment, and as the pastor said, "You are the real deal", when someone wants to know WHO and WHAT a follower of Christ is.
Precious Karen, how did you do that with such poise and grace?? Thank you for allowing us, through your breaking mother's heart, to hear about all of the wonderful things Joey was to you. Every mother could identify with you at that moment.
EVERYTHING about Joey's memorial service was God honoring, and something I'll never forget. I want you to know that I've had some sleepless nights lately, thinking of you guys and praying, travailing before The Lord on your behalf. I know I am one of MANY who are lifting you before the throne.
Karen and Joe, you two are so very special and so loved by many.
As I have told others, my life is richer for having known you, and those CPC years are very special and forever etched on my heart. The scripture that has come to me through this is: John 14:2 "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, you may be also." You're in my heart and prayers.
Love you,
Sylvia
***
Joe and Karen arrives back to Maui tonight. We'll find out more on when the Memorial Service at Hope will be. As soon as I hear from them, I'll let you know. - Liza
Everything is well, then suddenly...shocked, indescribable grief, unfathomable sadness, agony, despair, then loves pours, support came, hugs, embrace, crying, more crying, wailing, tears, trust, peace calm in the midst of storm, standing on the Word of God, relying on God's promises, pockets on joy in grief, suddenly it once again hits .... sadness, grief, pain, weary, tired, hyperventilating, cannot breathe, anger, rage, sadness, deep sadness, fatigue sets in, then a reminder of love, mercy, sacrifice, peace that the world cannot give, trust, hope, support, prayers, lots of prayers, memories, joy in remembering the good times, thankful for the blessings, thankful for eternal life, but slowly sadness comes back, grief, agony, missing Joey, weary, withdrawn, numb....... looking unto the Jesus... longing for heaven ... and it goes on...
We don't know how long this roller coaster ride will be. Please continue to pray. Let the Johnsons family know you're praying
***
I found a good article for reflection, HERE.
I know many of you are waiting for the post on the LA Memorial as we have been reading the comments of those who were blessed to attend, sharing how beautiful, touching and inspiring it was. There's been a delay, but the post will come; hopefully before the Maui Memorial Service so keep coming back to check.
Rachel e-mailed me a copy of the program, and just by reading the program I can tell how inspiring and moving the service was.We will post a link to the copy of the program here. Lisa will do it. I might also post a portion of it here and there.
Here it is: Joey Johnson's Memorial Service Program
You will need Adobe Reader to view this file.
In the meantime, continue to pray. Karen and Joe's latest note is HERE.
It's a blessing to see many "coming out of (or from) the internet-phobia" and posting for the first time, for the love of Karen and Joe. I know hundreds are reading this blog, but only a few are courageous to leave a comment. The important thing is many of you are praying. Thank you. But for those who leave comments, you'll get an extra hug from Karen when she comes back ;) :0 :)
I'll be back!
P.S. To Joe(y)'s friends - don't be confused - there are two of us - Lisa and Liza. I have gotten a couple of e-mails confused about that. Yeah... we are different, and yet the same - ya Lisa?
Liza
Dear Joe,
You are heavy in my heart today as I think and pray about you all...
I don't think we will ever know the depth of your sorrow ... I was thinking, right now, at this time in your life, you are at your closest to knowing God's sorrow when he gave His only son to die for us ...
I wish there's something we can do to ease the pain ... I am actually trying to avoid using Christian cliche like "God will comfort you" and all that kind of stuff, because you already know that....but the truth is - there's no other who can help you truly, and understand you truly, other than God ...
This morning I was thinking about our son and it seems like a conversation between God and I ran in my head ...
God: Liza, how about you ... when the time comes that I take your son back to heaven, if I take your son before you, would you trust me, and still love me, and rely on me?
Liza: Lord, you know my heart. You know I'd want to say, "Yes, I do. Yes, I will" but the truth is "I don't know". I don't know if I will have the strength to bear the pain ...
God: Well... I do. You may not know right now ... but when that time comes, I will give you the strength... I will.
Joe, the strength that God gives may come in portion - a day at a time as you need it. There will be days when you'd feel like you just want to go home too ... and in those times, remember that God will give you the strength, as you need it.
I know your sadness is great. But always remember, God understands....
I had a posted a video of a telephone conversation in my blog the day we found out about Joey's passing away. Maybe you've already watched this, but I thought I'd post it again here for Joey's friends to see, and to remind you that God knows what you're going through:
(*more about Logan on this video link)
I know many of us were praying yesterday for the memorial service. Yesterday afternoon Kyle Knight called Toni Spence and said it went well (he and his lovely wife Monica attended the service). I can't remember the exact word he used but I think he said it was very moving and an emotion packed service. Prayers for the slide show were answered, the glitch was fixed! The slide show was a blessing.
The Lord provided someone who would share about the memorial service ... you'll know who he/she is when the post comes out. I just want to post this to make sure you'd come back ... stay tuned ... keep praying for Joe and Karen and their family.
Liza
Dear Rachel,
I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers a lot. I can't even imagine what you are going through right now. I wish I can find some words of comfort to ease the pain you are experiencing, but I know there is none...
Joey loves you and you love Joey. There is no doubt about that. Your adventure together will give us warm memories of Joey. I know there will be a lot of tears flowing, because you are missing Joey ... let the tears flow sweetie, let it flow. Know that we are crying with you.
You are part of our Ohana, a special part of it, and we are always here for you.
I am looking forward to seeing you here on Maui so I can give you a hug.
Love,
Liza
(*** Note- I moved this post up (changed date up) because I noticed new comments coming in here... please continue to pray for Rachel)
June 1Tears flowing from my eyes as I am typing this. It's 10:13 pm and I decided to check the Johnsons Blog for the nth time (don't ask me how many times, you'll think I'm obsessed) ... But whatever time I put in this blog is worth it ... it's the least I can do... In case you miss the comment on the last post, I decided to post it here. Please continue to pray ...
Dearest Liza ... it is well past midnight here, and we are, as you predicted, exhausted. The slide show technology is betraying us, and we've all just given up and gone to bed. It feels so important to show Joey's life, but if it's not to be, then we accept it. Life is full of disappointments, isn't it.
One thing that isn't disappointing is the blog... thank you so very much for all the love and effort you have put into that. It is so very beautiful and so much what we need right now. We all read it about 15 times a day. All Joey's friends are reading it too. It keeps us going when we lose our hearts. This is one of the dearest things to me out of this whole bittersweet story...the love that so many have poured out to us. And your gift of the blog enables us to experience a constantly changing kaleidoscope of support.
Your list of prayer requests for us couldn't be more on target. Tomorrow will be a difficult day and we are leaning on the Lord for strength. It helps to know that so many are praying for us. We need it desperately and we are comforted with the confidence that our prayers will be answered in God's time and way. We trust Him.
Much love sweet sister,
Karen
