Spoken by Katie's sister, Sharon Larson, at the church service:

I don’t want to be here right now, but I do know how important it is for me to honor my sister by glorifying God.

The outpouring of support and prayer toward my family over the last four days has served as a cushion to break our fall – we can not thank you enough for your love.

 And so, as you have been praying for us, and we have been reflecting on our lives with Katie, our loss has been magnified, which is exactly how God would have us surrender to Him – that we would completely and exclusively worship Him in all His glory for the past with Katie and praise Him for Katie’s presence in heaven.

Years ago, I committed my life to Christ and so I anticipate the time when my tears are gone forever and I rejoin my sister in heaven.   

As many of you know, my sister had so many wonderful attributes.  Conjured up with my first tears a few days ago were description of her love of Jesus, her motherhood, her personality and her beauty:   

Katie was a laugher and a giggler, yet feisty and cool.  Her huge warm eyes and gentle patience fooled you into thinking she was not physically strong – not a good idea to challenge her to push-ups or sit-ups – you are guaranteed to lose.  Her witty and sarcastic sense of humor made her fun to be around and fun to play with.  She was adventurous, stylish and protective.  She was an unbelievable mom, a fantastic aunt and she was my baby sister. 

I have had opportunity over the last few days to read all of Katie’s many personal diaries.  Like all of us, she faced challenges and was sometimes overwhelmed by them.  Like all of us, she was captivated by victories and rejoiced in them.  It is impossible to summarize all that I have learned so I thought you would appreciate hearing a small part of exactly what she wrote:

She wrote:  “Today I was broken.  Things add up until you just can’t bear it anymore.  Then you break at the bend.  I feel like I’ve been wanting a close and personal relationship with the Lord since 1995.  I love the Lord.  I wanted to be broken.  It felt good to know God planned it that way.  Today Lord I need you close.  I need you to be in my heart.  Please fill me with the Holt Spirit.  Give me strength, patience and forgiveness.  I really need to be able to trust.  Where do I go career wise?  I want to teach but it seems so far away.  I love Laya.  I hope she knows this.  She is so smart.  Save me. Heal me. Help me.  Guide me.  Live in me.  Take over my life and heart.  I commit my life to you, Lord.  I open my heart to you, Lord.  Help me to swallow my pride and let you inside.  What is that wall that I feel keeping you out?  I can almost feel you pulling on the door knob.  Why is it locked?  I’ll read the Bible happily to know you and love you.  Please speak to me in every reading.” 

 Katie felt and described the feelings we have today: 

She wrote:  “Well, I feel exhausted.  My body is tired and sick.  The Memorial Service for my grandfather was so awesome.  As I listened to the minister tell of Jesus Christ dying for our sins and giving us eternal life, I cried.  I grieved today.” 

Katie prayed for others:   

She wrote:  “I pray that Suzanne relies solely on you Lord, whenever she talks about you to her pupils.  Lord please give me the opportunity to visit Suzanne’s college life and have fellowship with her friends.  Thank you for my friendships with people who are open to learning about you. 

I pray for Sterling that she may yearn to know you and quit smoking.

Please show me your will for my relationship with Rich.  Continue Lord to convict and refine Jay and Mom.  Help Gary’s practice take off and provide him immediately Lord.

Bless Laya.  Cover her in the blood of Jesus Christ for protection until she is wise enough to choose you.  I pray that she would learn to know your presence and love it well as she grows up.  May she be a strong woman of God.

I pray for Rich and Anna.  Lord that you would bless them both.  God draw them to you.”

 She wrote about the power struggle between the Devil and the Lord: 

She wrote:  “Lord, I can clearly see the enemy and his ways.  Once I let my flesh think for me, that door opens a crack and Satan barges right in and grabs my throat.  Right now I rebuke the enemy and anything he stands for.

I feel so lost.  I am grabbing for you Lord.  I am frantically reaching for you everywhere.

I know I have not been walking in the light.  Help me to be your child – your shinning star, your beloved.  Thank you that you keep your promises.  Grab my face in your hands and make me stare into your bright eyes – for you are the light.”

Katie, I wish I could ask you about God’s bright eyes, but I’ll have to wait.  I’ll see you soon when we are together again.  I love you sister.