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Tribute to Stephanie Lynn Clark

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

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In 2004, Stephanie Lynn Clark, a graduate of Millard North High School in Omaha, Nebraska, was taken from this world far too soon, dying as a passenger in a car accident three days short of her 18th birthday.

According to her father, Jeff, Stephanie was never interested in sports like his other two children, Jacob and Abby, but she did understand that to have a team, you need at least two. About a year before Stephanie’s tragic passing, she wrote the following poem called, “A Team Needs at Least Two.”

Life’s short, don’t take it for granted;
And hopefully it will be enchanted.
Live life to the fullest or it will be the dullest;
Life’s just great, a thing to appreciate.
Sometimes good, sometimes bad;
But remember, it’s always in God’s hands.
There’s a purpose for everything;
It’s all in His plan.
So don’t forget, you must remember;
We celebrate His birth towards the end of December.
You know where you’re coming from,
And he knows where you’re going;
So when you feel lost,
Call the Lord of all knowing.
When you’re feeling bad or feeling down;
Don’t worry, He won’t let you down.
He’ll pick you up and carry you on;
And we’ll all rejoice with a joyful song.
’Cause God will always be there;
Whether life’s short or long.
I love the Lord and pray you do too;
For every team, you need at least two.

Stephanie’s poem and early departure from this world are apt reminders that what plans we put off to tomorrow may not come to fruition.

Maybe you’ve been meaning to apologize to someone or check in on a friend in need, but the constant distractions of life have gotten in your way. Or perhaps you’ve been putting off a vacation or going back to school to continue your education until you feel the timing is just right.

Whatever your situation, remember Stephanie’s words: “life’s short, don’t take it for granted.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 is inscribed on Stephanie Lynn Clark's headstone.

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About the Author:

Mike Barber

Mike is an Air Force veteran, full-time communicator, and part-time tennis teaching professional. He lives on the Outer Banks of North Carolina with his wife, daughter, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Connect with Mike at mike@mikebarber.life or his website www.mikebarber.life.

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