Shine!

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 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

—Daniel 12:3

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

—Matthew 5:16

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In the wake of Monday's school shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, a touching story emerged about one of the girls, nine-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus, who was murdered as she was attempting to save people in the building by pulling a fire alarm. A message issued by her family stated, "Evelyn was a shining light, and she will be greatly missed by all."

Evelyn is indeed a "shining light." And while she has laid down her mortal life here in service to her friends, we have faith that she is living on in her unfolding expression of life eternal as an infinite reflection of God's Light and Love.

So, in tribute to Evelyn and her selfless act of love, and in remembrance of all the victims and their families and friends whose lives were affected by this selfish crime, we offer our sincere condolences and prayers of comfort and peace.

[Update, 3-31-23:  Evelyn's aunt, Kelly Dorrance, has stated, "We’re finding out the shooter may have pulled the fire alarm to get kids out of their classroom. Evelyn, being one of the class leaders, was at the front of the line assuming fire drill. She was trying to lead her classmates to safety and possibly didn’t hear the shouts to come back in the room. Things children should never worry about."

"Evelyn was radiant – a beacon of joy in our family. She had a calm confidence and a natural sense of purpose – alongside a whip smart sense of humor and a sly little smile."]

[Read Evelyn's Obituary]

❤❤❤

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If you're lonely
And behind the wheel
When the ground gives way
You have to pray
To the unknown
And hope it's real

...
But she goes on forever
She goes on forever
She's gonna shine forever

...
Like a diamond
In the sunlight

—Tom Petty

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