Sharon Wellington, from FacebookEditor’s note: Sharon Wellington was killed Nov. 30 by an unknown assailant.

ATHENS, Ala. (BNc) by Joy Watkins — I have heard people say “live your funeral” and although I thought I knew what they meant, it wasn’t until the events following the death of our dear sister Sharon Wellington, that I fully understood its meaning.

I was reflecting on all I knew about her and realized that she herself wrote the words I need to express my thoughts and feelings. From all who have posted or commented about her, who have reached out to family and friends to offer words of comfort, it is evident that she touched many lives. I have never known anyone touch the lives of so many people she had never met. These days will help us face the more difficult ones ahead as we recall how she was prepared for her appointment to meet the Father.

If anyone spent even five minutes in her presence, they soon learned Sharon loved the Lord and strove daily to follow his commandments. Sharon was known all over the brotherhood, on Facebook, and ACANetwork for her stand on God’s word. Because I am certain she is safe in the arms of God, I am neither sad nor worried about her.

I want to share a few of her words with you.

  • “The only way to know what God is thinking is to go where He is speaking: The BIBLE!”
  • “God is Everything.”
  • “Live like Heaven begins tomorrow.”
  • “Joy is the unmistakable mark of the presence of God. Only the grace of God can fill the soul with joy.”

Sharon was more concerned about others than herself. She prayed for all of us and spoke encouraging words to us daily and was an enormous support. This is a prayer from her Facebook page, dated November 26th:

“Dear God, I’ve received several special requests today … one from parents who are brokenhearted over their teenager’s condition, another from one who needs help in their faith and Christian walk, still others from those who have special unspoken needs and health problems, another from one who needs a job, and the list goes on. God, you know that though thousands of people have prayer requests, I cannot mention every one right now. YOU know their heart cries, our every need, and what is best. I pray for your intervention, provision, guidance, and blessing wherever needed. I lift up every person who is praying this prayer, that you will touch them in great and mighty ways, that each will be blessed beyond comprehension, that you will be glorified and exalted, that eyes will be opened and hearts broken over sin; that spirits will be encouraged by your mercy … and lives changed by your forgiveness. Thank you, Father for all you do and all you are, in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen”.

Here is another prayer from November 12th:

“Dear God, So many things just look impossible. Sometimes I wonder how I will make it through this trial or how will we survive or where is this problem leading? But, when I stop concentrating on the problem and look to you and your promises, I am relieved. For I know that all things are possible through you. You are in control and will make all things work to the good for those who love You. Thank you for those promises and for the “breath of fresh air” I feel in knowing you are here with me, for me, and in me through your holy spirit, in Jesus name, Amen”.

As we move ahead, in the days to come, remaining true to who we are as Christians is one of the most important things we can do. God has always promised to take care of his children. I have always known his word is true. When things go awry, is when we don’t honor him and allow him to rule supreme in our lives. As more details are released and the offender is apprehended, we cannot allow Satan to influence our responses.

God is going to hold every individual accountable for every deed. We need to be certain we honor Sharon’s legacy by being godly and spiritual-minded in all things. We will be fine, as long as we remember Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

I know there are going to be some very difficult days ahead, and some days will be more challenging than others, but Philippians 4:13 tells us I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. We can’t say we’re Christians and then act like Satan’s angels/children/soldiers.

Sharon recently shared these words from Psalms: “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psa 62:1-2. )

Sharon would not want us to hold hatred in our hearts or fail to forgive the one(s) who will ultimately face charges for the acts committed against her. She recently posted Pas 118: 5-6 which teaches us, “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.” She asked the question, What can man do to me?

Sharon has lived her funeral, and it is now time for us to do the same.

Sister Joy Watkins is a part of the Southside church in Rogersville, Ala.

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