Gena's Song
Some of you have been asking about Gena...who is she? What happened to her? She was a special little girl, and I (Michelle) am happy to share about her.
My husband and I have been involved in the children's ministry at our church for several years now. We started out by pastoring the 7 and 8 year olds. Often, we were short handed on volunteers, so occasionally, when there was no one to teach the 4-6 year olds, we would bring them into our class as well, which usually resulted in utter chaos. We were having one such night when Gena came into our lives.
She was four years old, well dressed, well behaved, and very aware. When the time came for the children to pray, we brought them together in a circle and let them take turns. There was the usual combination of real and pretend prayers (we had one set of sisters who continually requested prayer for an imaginary uncle). Then it was Gena's turn. Remember, she was four years old...but she prayed like a veteran. And she knew what she was talking about. This was a little girl who knew Jesus intimately, and it was apparent the second she opened her mouth. When she finished praying, Scott and I were amazed...but now as I look back, I smile a little. Of course children see God more clearly than we do. Doesn't scripture say we have to come to Him as a little child?
We lost track of Gena for three years, probably because she went back to the 4 year old class and we remained with the 7 and 8 year olds. The structure of the children's ministry changed. The classes merged and we came under the leadership of a new pastor. Now we were leading the 2nd graders...basically still the 7 and 8 year olds, just in a new format. We were pleasantly surprised when Gena entered the second grade and our class.
She was the same sweet girl, always greeting us with a hug, very tender-hearted, and trusting. Her love for Jesus still remained strong...she loved to pray for people, anywhere and everywhere. She blessed everyone she touched--her friends, her teachers, her family. Being so tender-hearted, this world was a hard place for her, but it never changed who she was. I think (and this is just my opinion) that it just made her long for Heaven all the more. In fact, she used to say that she wanted to be a bird so she could fly up to Heaven and be with God.
In July of 2005, she got her wish. She went to Heaven. We lost her in a car accident.
It is very hard when a child dies. Very hard. Now, nearly three years later, it is still difficult for me to perform her song publicly. But I have to keep reminding myself of a few things. Firstly, Gena is way better off than any of us who remain on Earth. Especially since being on Earth was so hard for her. Secondly, even though she only had eight years in which to do it, she fulfilled the purpose for her life. She brought people to Jesus. She blessed us so much that we are still talking about her. As I said in the song, she taught us about love. So...I'll keep telling her story...until I see her again.