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Saturday, July 5, 2014

No more cancer!

Photo Jul 04, 11 12 29 AM
At 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 5, Kelsey Louise Scoggins Kennedy won the battle with cancer. She is now dancing in glory, where cancer is no longer a concern. No more C > c (Christ > cancer) in heaven, just C – who she will be eternally praising! We celebrate her life. The eight plus years I have had the pleasure of being her husband passed quickly. It is a crazy mixture of emotions. Sadness for those of us left behind, exhilaration that she has no more pain. She can now dance, run, and ride a bike. She will never have a concern of recurrence or spread of disease. She will be able to hold our two children who went before us that we never had a chance to hold. I can imagine the sweet reunion she had with her friend Melinda who proceeded her to heaven.

I will share one of the hymns that we sang which was very poignant to me (they all were) after Kelsey had gone to be with Jesus – Because He Lives:

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

All wonderful verses, but two and three are especially touching to me – Alexa does face uncertain days, but she can face tomorrow because Jesus lives. Kelsey fought life’s final war with pain – and death did give way to victory for her.

Final thing to share, as we close out the first chapter of Kelsey’s life – a neat illustration which was written in a pamphlet about the final days of life:
“I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, ‘There, she is gone!’

‘Gone where?’

Gone from sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: ‘There, she is gone!’ there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: ‘Here she comes!’

And that is dying.”

-- Henry Van Dyke
The only correction is that we know exactly Who the voice was who welcomed her into glory, the same one who said, “It is finished” as he gave up His life on the cross, the same one who said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Please pray for our family. Pray for Alexa. Pray that we will continue to glorify God in a small percentage of the way that Kelsey did with her life. I love all of her warriors – some of you who I have never even met and may never meet this side of eternity. You sustained us, you encouraged us, you blessed us. Your stories of how Kelsey blessed each of you has been amazing over the past several days. Kelsey’s book is already written – we just have to put it all together!

30 comments:

  1. Chris, May God continue to give you his strength and wisdom at this time. Our heart grieves with you, Alexa and family, but I too know that Kelsey is rejoicing with the Lord and Savior. We will continue to uphold you in prayer. Lovingly in Christ Dick and Sammi Boettiger

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  2. I am so sad that she's gone, and I didn't even know her. But I'm also glad, as you've so beautifully said, that she is with Jesus...the cancer is no longer an issue...and she was victorious. She fought a good fight, she finished her race, she kept the faith. For you, and us, there is still a race to be run. Please write from time to time...so we'll know how you & Alexa are doing. We'll be praying.
    BTW...I love "The Ship". My Mom also died with cancer...but she was then made gloriously whole again, in a moment...I miss her every day, and look forward to seeing her in Heaven.
    Blessings, Chris. You've been such a great brother, husband, friend to Kelsey. I hope you never have regrets...just comfort in your memories.

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  3. Kelsey would be laughing right now! "Scogginizing" this post, she passed in July. Ask Eddy about "Scoggonizing" a paper. May give you a giggle in this tough time. Love you all. Huggzzz. (Past secretary of FBC I Hooker) Sherri

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  4. While my heart is breaking for your loss, it is rejoicing because Heaven gained a very special angel today. Thoughts and prayers to you, Alexa, and your entire family. Peace, my friend. Vicki Schaeffer

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  5. So sorry to hear of your loss but can totally understand where you are coming from We lost Paul in March from complications from his early onset parkinsons. While we never met Kelsey we felt as if we had gotten to know her thru your blog. What an amazing woman of God. I continue to pray for you and Alexa and your families.
    Susan Zeeb

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  6. Until we see each other again, you will be missed.

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  7. This whole thing has touched me to my core in ways I cannot explain. I have wept all day. I felt the tug to look at my messages, just knowing something momentous would be there. And there was the message from Marilyn: Kelsey is cancer FREE! I will continue to pray for the family as this new road begins. Heaven is a sweeter place now.

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  8. Have been following your blog for the last several months and praying for you. Even though Kelsey was not healed on this side, she has touched many lives with her powerful testimony of God's faithfulness. I know today she heard The Lord say, "well done!" I will continue to pray for you and your family and pray that you will receive comfort.

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  9. Chris, we're praying for you and your family. We've been so encouraged by Kelsey's endurance with cancer and the truths you both have reflected on through it all. A testimony of God's love, faithfulness and grace. We're so sorry for your loss, but rejoicing in the fact that Kelsey is dancing in glory! Tod and Tygre Narcomey

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  10. I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for your family. I look forward to meeting Kelsey in heaven someday. May the Lord comfort you and sustain you and give you joy in your immense sorrow.

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  11. Dearest Chris, Mike and I just read your blog. Our hearts are hurting so at reading this sad news. It's hard to believe.... Please know we are hurting with you and praying for you, Alexa, Marilyn, Eddie and Holly and other family members as well as close friends. You and Kelsey honored God throughout this nightmare. Through all of this, perhaps others have come to believe in the one true Almighty God. Kelsey is enjoying her new body and reconnecting with friends, family and your dear children. I do take comfort knowing that she will see our son, Jonathan. Chris, please know we are here for you in the coming days. We understand grief and deep loss. Yes, God is so good even in the darkest times. He was there for us as He is there for you now. We proclaim that the scriptures are true, we do not mourn as others who do not know Him, for we have hope and know that we will see our loved ones again! Praise Jesus Christ for salvation and for His conquering death. Yes, He lives and so will all that love Him. We will see Kelsey again and what a glorious day that will be. Our deepest love and prayers are with you during this hard time. Mike and Ginger Tinney

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  12. Praying for you and Alexa. God's peace be with you. Amy Cruz, Jenks

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  13. Friends in California rejoice and cry with you. God is good.

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  14. Grieving with you and also rejoicing that Kelsey is now with Jesus, whole and happy. I have been following your blog and praying for you since first meeting at MDA. Your family has honored God throughout this journey, and despite the incredibly hard circumstances, you never wavered that His love is what would see you through. Your testimony has and will, without a doubt, bring people to Jesus. With God, nothing is in vain even if we don't understand it in this life. Praying for sweet Alexa, and for your family as you minister to her. Love in Christ, who is ALWAYS greater than cancer, regardless of earthly outcome. Katy & Keith Hewson

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  15. So sorry for your loss brother. Will be praying for you.

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  16. We will continue to follow your families needs closely with prayer and love...We love you guys.

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  17. I've known Kelsey her whole life....I was there when Marilyn gave her the first bath she received at the Scoggins home.....She loved my son and helped Marilyn babysit him one summer when I went to Falls creek as a sponsor. He was only 2 and came home saying, "Kelsey say, What a deal." He said it over and over. She was a shining light to all who knew her....always making everyone feel important. we will miss her and pray for your family over this great loss. We look forward to seeing her in Glory someday.

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  18. Chris,

    ***BIG HUGS***

    Kelsey is a gem. I remember riding in the car with her one day before you guys were together yet (don't know if you'd really even met yet…) and she was having this debate with herself about the importance of physical attraction in a relationship. It was like she knew intellectually that she didn't have to find this physical ideal she had in her mind in whomever she would marry but she was having trouble getting that message to her heart. Needless to say you guys met and you became her ideal but it was so funny to watch her having this little battle with herself (as I'm sure you can vividly imagine;). I know you were so blessed to have known her and lived life alongside her for as long as God gave you but I also know letting her go will be unbearable at times and that it will be a continual process. Lifting you and Alexa as you navigate the waters of grief all while at the same time rejoicing that she is FREE. We love you brother!

    Alex & Kendra T

    PS I am physically incapable of eating a double doozie without thinking about Kelsey. Absolutely cannot do it. I think about her every single time (not that I get them that often…but when I do, I automatically think of Kels ;) In fact, I think I'll get one this week in her honor! (yes, we do have them in the Middle East!)

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  19. Condolences to the Kennedy family. Praise that Kelsey is no longer battling cancer but it is sad that she is not able to be there at home with her family. Your daughter needs you now and you need her...just hold on to one another and when the time is right, GOD will bring someone into both of your lives BUT that person wont ever replace the love or spot of Kelsey in your or your daughter's lives. Hope you can love someone again but like I said, when the time is right.

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  20. I've been praying for Kelsey, and for your family, since I found out about her sickness a few months ago. I knew her from our days at OBU. I will continue to pray for you and Alexa. How beautifully you've captured Kelsey....your words, photos, videos....Alexa will treasure them all. Thank you for your beautiful faith and inspiring transparency.

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  21. My heart goes out to you and Alexa. I only knew Kelsey for a short time through BSF, but in those few times she was able to be in class before I had to stop coming, so many of us drew so much strength from her! I'm saddened to hear of her passing, but glad she is in Glory with her King! Glad she is not suffering and in pain any more. You and Alexa are in my prayers.

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  22. Chris,

    I don't know you well and never met your wife but I wanted to express my most sincere condolences. This was a beautiful tribute to her and the battle she fought. May you and your daughter and all who knew her find comfort and peace in the coming days.

    Sincerely,
    Allana

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  23. Love & Prayers to all of you!

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  24. Love & Prayers to all of you!
    Johnny & Leda McNabb

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  25. I'm so sad to hear, but very thankful I knew her even if only by email and phone. What a beautiful child of God. I'll continue to pray for your family. Sending love and prayers for peace.

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  26. Dear Chris, I am so sad to learn that Kelsey has departed. But I am heartened to know that she is with you in another way, and she will always be in your heart. Take care. Much is required of you now, as father and in so many other ways, and I know that you are up to every challenge you face, Chris.

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  27. I never met your wife but am so thankful in the last two years we moved to Guymon FBC where she was on our church's prayer list. I've kept up with your blog the last few months. And now just finished reading through some of her posts from last Nov-Dec. 2013. What precious memories for your family and encouragement to keep your eyes on the Lord! We do have reason to give thanks in ALL circumstances! Blessings to your family! Kari Townsend

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  28. Love and prayers for you, Alexa and your family.

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  29. My heart grieves for your loss, but rejoices in Kelsey's home-going. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints."

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  30. Chris, this is Aunt Amy in Lincoln, NE. We sang 'Because He Lives' at my mom's funeral in February, 2014. It still brings tears to my eyes. Someday there will be no more tears or goodbyes...only a reunion with our loved ones in The LORD and eternity with GOD - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We continue to pray for salvation of our loved ones who have not yet embraced Jesus in a saving relationship. Thanks for sharing! :)

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