Once again the dust has settled, but wow, what a weekend 'twas! As far as I can tell, the Susie Edwards Memorial Concert was one total success. Again taking cues from Honey in the gratitude department, here are some people and things for which I am thankful tonight (knowing full well I'll miss something important):

All the singers and instrumentalists who went the distance rehearsing and performing magnificently. Many of them came from a great distance to participate and celebrate with our family Honey's life. Apparently, the Herd has not disbanded and a bunch of them are fine singers of "the Christian song."
My brother, Randy, who put the very meaningful program together and pulled it off with precision and excellence, and for his assistant, Tina McCartney, whose demeanor is much like Honey's.
The staff of First Baptist Church, particularly Joe Fitzpatrick, Laurie Hall, and Wesley Lankford, who hosted the event and tended to the many details that went with it.
Kim Hester who worked two sides of the three-sided table -- Celebrating Grace and FBC Nashville Music Staff as accompanist.
Weslee and Nathan, their families and in-laws who shared the weekend with me and made it even more special.
Friends from near and far who attended the concert or watched the live-stream to remember and celebrate Honey again, more than a year after her death.
Tom McAfee and Celebrating Grace staffers Janet Jarriel, Kim Hester, and Mary Ruth Welch who have worked tirelessly to bring the Notes From Susie book from suggestion to reality.
Don Beehler, book editor and cheerleader
Everyone who generously contributed to the Children's Freedom Choir
People who cut me slack signing books last night when I couldn't for the life of me think of their names, people I've known for years. I'm still red-faced!

I told you I'd forget something important.

Those are day-after objects of gratitude. The thing that kept washing over me last night during the concert was gratitude that Honey and I were allowed to serve as that church in the first place and for almost a whole career. I sat alongside many women and men in seminary who would have enjoyed serving at FBC Nashville just like we did, but we were given the opportunity. There's only one explanation for that -- GIFT! Whoa, I miss that gal and certainly did during last night's wonderful music. But sitting there perusing row after row of current, former, and distant choir singers, seeing/greeting/hugging orchestra players who played for us all those years, looking upward to that cross-shaped support holding that majestic room together, enjoying the room's natural acoustic that fosters glorious congregational singing of timeless hymns, being inspired by long-time friends Cynthia Clawson singing and hubby Ragan Courtney speaking, then capped off hearing/seeing sweet Somerlie -- who grew up in our church -- play forth her heart and soul flawlessly through that oboe on "Susie's Gratitude" -- oh my soul! GIFT! That's it. GIFT! Like salvation.

My heart is full. How can I keep from singing?

Notes From Susie books will begin shipping tomorrow from our Macon (GA) warehouse. Thanks for your patience. Production didn't move along as quickly as we anticipated. But they are here now and look great. You still may order via this link: http://www.celebrating-grace.com/notes-from-susie-choosing-gratitude-in-life-s-low-places

Here is a song written by my brother for last night's concert:

As we walk the way with Jesus, many challenges we face.

Fear, despair, and loneliness sometimes impede the race.

So we hope and pray and listen, always seeking the right choice,

as we follow Jesus' words and listen for His voice.

In the middle of the journey Christ comes to light our way.

In the midst of our great trials there is peace.

In the center of the darkest night there's hope and comfort sweet.

In the middle of the journey there is peace.

Let us then be true and faithful, giving thanks for each new day,

showing grace in everything, in all we do and say.

For we know that life in Jesus is much more than here and now.

Soon we'll gather 'round His throne, and there we'll humbly bow.

In the middle of the journey Christ comes to light our way.

In the midst of our great trials there is peace.

In the center of the darkest night there's hope and comfort sweet.

In the middle of the journey there is peace.

In the Middle of the Journey -- Randy Edwards, 2016

Blessings, dear friends.
-Mark

Learning that a family member or friend has cancer is never welcome news. Even though it has been 16 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my heart aches when I hear that someone I care about must undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation with the side effects these treatments bring.

Our family had been friends with the Edwards family for 28 years when Susie received her diagnosis. We worshipped and served together at First Baptist Nashville, and Mark and I worked closely as staff members at First Baptist and later at Celebrating Grace. So it was particularly tough for our family to learn of Susie’s cancer diagnosis since we had, “been there and done that.”

My thoughts immediately turned to my own experience as I considered ways that we could help Susie, Mark and their family navigate the journey ahead. There were the practical ways to make everyday life manageable—food, transportation to medical appointments, and keeping Susie company when Mark had to be away—and the ministry of encouragement through cards, calls, and flowers. But a couple of more specific helps for cancer patients came to mind.

One of the most dreaded side effects of chemotherapy for women is hair loss. For me, the thought of wearing a wig for 9 months to a year was overwhelming (along with the uncertainty of what my hair might look like when it did come back). My thoughtful friend Tricia offered to take me wig shopping, and the task was not nearly as intimidating with someone to offer support and give a trusted opinion. Once I learned Susie would have chemotherapy following her surgery, I knew we would plan a similar outing.

After researching options and learning there was a great wig shop just a couple of miles from Susie’s house, I picked her up for our adventure. Tricia, a First Baptist member who has known Susie longer than I, met us there and we all tried on wigs—long, short, blond, gray, straight and curly. (This being Nashville there were some great “country music star” options!) Even though Susie was feeling the fatigue of chemotherapy, she was a great sport as we laughed together and enjoyed a little silliness. Then, we turned our attention to the serious business of selecting just the right wig. Susie tried one, then another, then yet another. Back to the first one again. She decided on her new look, and we agreed her chosen style made her look 10 years younger! It was a fun day for all three of us.

In many of her Facebook posts, Susie made a list of items for which she was thankful on that particular day. She usually went on to say that having been the recipient of varying types of ministry, she would know better how to minister to others going through a similar illness. Much can be learned from those who have walked the road before us.

May 8-14, 2016, is designated National Women’s Health Week. The goal is to empower women to make their health a priority. Susie would agree—get active, eat healthy, see your doctor for preventative screenings. None of us wants to hear the words, “You have cancer.” But the journey is bearable when we know we are not alone.

Kim Hester,
Friend and Cancer Survivor

Once Again, the Dust Has Settled

"When We Know We Are Not Alone" by Kim Hester