New Day

Each one of us is created solely by God for God.  Each one of us has a story to write and live. We never know when we touch someone's life.  And sometimes, too often, we don't see when or how someone touches ours too.  And sometimes there are those few souls we know are touching our lives and everyone else's they encounter.  I've shared enough about Sophie that you've probably gathered she was one of those souls you knew touched you and anyone she encountered.
The outpouring that spoke of this truth could be found Thursday as hundreds, maybe thousands even came to say farewell.  And again today as Mass was offered for her.  The awesome faith that wove its way among so many different people from all walks of life.  She was a 'magnificent' woman.  Every opportunity she had she spoke of God.  And she made her way through obstacles and setbacks while calling all attention to the mighty generosity if God.  A witness to the truth of our Savior, Jesus Christ ...and handmaid.  For His glory always, not hers!
We stood outside the funeral home Thursday for more than two hours weaving a way through a line that finally brought us inside out of the cold drizzle.  We welcomed the warmth of inside after being in 33 degrees outside.  And for another hour and a half we slowly moved, passing pictures that spanned a lifetime. We listened, or watched when we could, two videos playing showing each of her nine children interspersed with beautiful holy images and quotes.  Sophie continued to teach each of us ...continue to plead God's case.
Her shock of thick red hair gone, she radiated, slurred speech and all as she answered questions posed by her children and husband.  It's hard not to cry now as I share this.  Her oldest daughter asked her what she thought of all that was happening as she lay in her hospital bed.  "Miraculous, it's so miraculous.  God is so good and generous. I've prayed for this, that my family would all be together in faith and we are.  And now God wants each of you to go out and evangelize your faith to others."  She went on "I pray you all become great saints, but not too great, because I don't want you to suffer, that's too hard for a mother to watch."  They asked her questions about the Eucharist and confession and she answered all of them keeping them central in life.  Asked about her main philosophy, what is most important in life, she answered "gaining Heaven ...it's the most important thing.  It's all about getting to Heaven."  Sophie ...everything has always been about God and Heaven, mothering, family ...bringing as many souls as we can to God.
Remarkable.
I looked at those kids as I waited and remembered the prayers we'd been asked to offer on their behalf over the years.  I wished for that time back, to sit tight with each other, praying for all our kids ...praying their way to heaven.
I remember bumping into Sophie a few months after Phoebe died.  We were both in Michael's craft store.  And there in a little aisle we cried and prayed.  I'd been told that Phoebe could quite possibly be in hell because of how she died and I carried that like a brick wall, so fearful.  Someone I had deeply trusted told me this and I couldn't escape it.  No matter what others said, even priests, this thought weighed heaviest.  I pleaded with God to put me there and take Phoebe with Him.  Out of my mind with grief, I could not dismiss the fear that had been offered.  I cried that out to Sophie, surrounded by paintbrushes.  In her way, Sophie shook her head, adamant Phoebe was a child.  "She's a child Carolyn.  I know Phoebe, she had no idea what she was doing ...no idea!  And it could have been my kid, or anyone elses for that matter.  Whoever tells you she could be in hell has no idea what they're talking about.  Don't pay any attention to it, you HAVE TO trust God. He's BIGGER than all of us. Do you think the God who created her would leave a child in blind moment?"  And we parted, me feeling restored and the seeds of hope spreading the tiniest of roots that would grow and take hold. I already loved Sophie, but after that particular exchange, I became eternally grateful to her.
And that's how it would be for me with Sophie, chance meetings, the occasional gathering of families at our houses or elsewhere, drop offs at girls club, camp, adoration, retreats.  Our lives were busy, dictated by our dynamic families.  And every time I saw her, it was as though an ocean breeze cooled me.  And it wasn't often enough.
But as her oldest son shared, her work, her real work, has just begun!
And no doubt, if you've prayed for her at all, she will weave her way into your life and heart, and invite you to join her in saving as many souls, leading everyone to Christ.  Maybe not in the magnetic, intense way of Sophie ...but in your own way, the way God asks you to.
Please continue prayers for Sophie... and her family ...and be assured of mine for you!

Eternal rest grant unto Sophie O'Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the soul of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen

Well done, dear Sophie

Our dear friend

Sophie's obituary

Thank you for all your prayers for Sophie and her family.
They are a remarkable group of faith-filled people.

Eternal rest grant unto Sophie O'Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.  May her soul and the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Handmaid VII

Sophie passed into the arms of Our Lord today.
Thank you for your prayers for her, please continue to pray for her and her family as they strive to bring the message of love, compassion and salvation ...even through their grief.
We've all kept tabs with each other and as I spoke with a friend just moments before we heard, we laughed and considered that Sophie's lingering was perhaps due to her gathering as many souls as she could from Purgatory so she could stand before God and plead on their behalf. "Dear God, you know if they'd just been given better formation they would have done so many wonderful things.  Just look at the size of their heart, they're truly, truly people who desire to serve You."  We imagined how many battles she was fighting for the most remote, forgotten souls.  Because that's who Sophie was and is ...a fighter for Christ.
She is a remarkable soul ...radiant in her burning passion and desire to bring as many as she could to Christ.
Hidden, and unburdened by the desire for human respect, she waged a mighty war against a culture that consumes and misleads so many.
Passionate in her quest to defend and save the unborn.
Passionate in her quest to spread the truth of the Eucharist
Passionate in her quest to spread the true meaning of marriage and the welcoming of children
Passionate in her quest to bring souls to reconcile with and before God
Passionate in her compassion to reach the most hardened heart
Passionate in her compassion for all those who suffered
She leaves behind a trail burned by her love and her fight for all of us.
She sought no limelight, no public appearances, no popularity
Where she drew attention she deflected to others, she took credit for nothing
If I could be a fraction of the woman Sophie is ...I will be blessed.
And I am blessed to know her.

Eternal rest grant unto Sophie O' Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.  May her soul and the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen