A Life Well Lived

The story of Jennifer Ann Paulson, at first thought, appears to be a story of unimaginable grief and painful sorrow. The story of a woman so young and full of selflessness and compassion who was torn away from her family and a world that so desperately needed her. What took place early that Friday morning was one of the most horrifying and saddest events in Tacoma Public School history. Leaving in it's wake a heavy burden of devastation as family and friends seek tirelessly for answers as to why this happened-but that is not THIS story. The newspapers, radio and nightly news has its own spin on this so-called tragedy. They will use words such as: murder, stalker, slain, harassment, shooting and death to name a few. They tell their own story and seem to thrive on the grief of those involved and consider Jennifer a victim-but that story is far from true. On the contrary, the real story of Jennifer Ann Paulson is a story of hope, compassion, forgiveness, purpose and celebration. she was born and raised living her life for others. She understood at an early age God's calling on her life and never took her head from the Master's bidding. She lived her life shinning a light before all men and walked the earth with strong convictions and dedication to her faith in Christ. This is a story of how, even through tragedy, God heals, restores, and uses every pain of human existence to show the hope of his salvation, and Jennifer's story is just that hope. So forget all the words that the media will use to describe Jennifer, for you will not read them here. She was not a victim-she was a disciple. She is not dead-she is alive. Her life was not wasted-she fulfilled her calling. Jennifer accomplished more in her thirty years on earth than many of us will accomplish in one lifetime. Each and every one of us has a God given destiny, a pre-determined course for our lives to follow. I wonder how many of us will discover our true calling, thus preparing the kind of legacy we will leave behind. Jennifer sure did. She knew her course, followed her map, and trusted her Captain. Even as I sit here now, penning the words of Jennifer's amazing life, I am a product of her ministry, a destination on the map God drew for her. During my most godless and rebellious days, she saw me as Jesus saw me. She reached out a friendly hand to me and helped me up out of my sins. It has been to this day, the most divinely designed moment in my life. And I share it with you, in honor of her.