Sometimes the Lord puts people in our lives without us even really knowing that they are in our life, let alone why. That's the way it was with Hannah. She was my Facebook friend. I can't say that I ever even actually met her face to face, but I felt like I knew her inside out. She was just that kind of happy girl who was totally infused with love - honest to goodness LOVE - and if you didn't come away from any kind of encounter with Hannah without knowing where her love came from, then it wasn't because she didn't try. She used Facebook for one of her many platforms to share her message of love. I don't know if she sent me a friend request because I'm friends with her sweet mom or if she just felt sorry for an old lady who looked like she could use another Facebook friend. I didn't think much about it until Wednesday, July 22, 2020, and since early that seemingly routine July morning I've thought of nothing else.
When tragedies like this happen, our first thoughts scream out wanting to know WHY. WHY did someone as kind and loving and beautiful and smart and funny and totally dedicated to God have to be taken so young???? WHY???? If we had that answer, would it lessen the indescribable pain her family and friends will experience for the coming days and weeks and months and years; the pain of just taking the next breath? No. But let's ask another "WHY". WHY was Hannah put on this earth? And this "why" gives us the opportunity to bask in the love that this sweet girl left with all who knew her. There's not enough words to begin to describe the differences she made in so very many lives. Hannah no doubt accomplished more in her 19 short years than most of us do in a long lifetime. She knew her purpose in life and she set out to accomplish it; and what an accomplishment it was! I didn't have to know her personally to know this; all anyone has to do is look at her life, played out on Facebook. Listen to her testimony. Listen to her songs. And then I think the answer to the second "why" will become crystal clear.
No, I didn't know Hannah personally - I'm probably the only one in this county - and far beyond - who didn't. But I truly believe that she has been "in my life" as a Facebook friend the last couple of years to inspire and bless me, and each of you, when we needed it most. For the rest of you, Hannah was so much more than just a Facebook friend. What a blessing! She infused her love and happiness at home, at school, at church, at work, at every opportunity that she could make to bless another's life. She managed to make the most of each and every minute that she was on this earth; she loved life with a big love. She loved the Lord with all her heart. I loved reading her posts and seeing all her goofy pictures. She was a beauty. She was a friend to so many people. She had such a robust genuine love for her family and friends. But more than anything else, Hannah Housley left no doubt with anyone who knew her in any capacity about where she would spend eternity; yet no one ever dreamed it would be this soon.
But in a way that those who love the Lord and those who love Hannah would understand, her busting Heaven's gates wide open a few days ago just makes our journey that much sweeter. Yes, we will see this precious girl again some day. And I feel quite sure than Hannah will be front and center to welcome us in. Fly high, sweet angel, fly high.
Please keep Hannah's family and many friends
in your thoughts and prayers,
now and in the days and weeks to come.
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3
