"...take this soul and make it sing"

This was written by Valarie and myself and read by Teressa Ross at Rhemas beautiful funeral.

There are so many questions we will never have the answers to, and there are so many things we just won’t know. But one thing we do know to be true is that our Princess Rhema was here for a reason; and the many lives she touched we may never know. We are so honored that we were allowed to be her mommy and daddy for the 12 precious weeks of her purpose-filled life. God let us have a wonderful taste of his overwhelming love in the person of our Little Lady Rhema.

Rhema Evangeline means “the proclaimer of Gods Word.” We could never have dreamed such a small package could fulfill that purpose in only 12 weeks. Words could never begin to express the journey we have been on with her. Carrying for nine months and delivering only to be told that your new born daughter will never see her first birthday. Thousands of people from all over the world began praying for Rhema along side of us for healing to her little body. We soon learned of the things Rhema had taught THEM and how she has brought them closer to God then ever before. With that, we have been so blessed.

I could never begin to tell you how often we prayed to God for Rhema and her health. How could He tell us it was time to start a family, only to take her away so soon? We didn’t care if she never opened her eyes or if she would never walk, we just wanted her. But His plans are bigger than ours! And even though He decided to take her home to be with Him, miracles still happened everyday in her life and ours. These were some of those miracles:

1. Doctors told us to enjoy the few days we would have with her, but we got to enjoy 12 beautiful weeks with her.
2. The nursery told us to only tube feed Rhema because they were afraid it would go into her lungs, but she was on a bottle ever since we brought her home. I can still hear the sucking noises she used to make; like she couldn’t get enough.
3. Rhema weighed 4lbs 6oz at birth and we were told she would never gain weight. She passed away weighing 7lbs 8oz!!! Our little Porker!
4. Doctors told us that they didn’t think our little Rhema had eyes when she was born, but to our surprise and theirs’ two beautiful blue eyes waited behind those precious lashes! And even though she never opened them up, she would pull her head back when we talked to her and raise her eyebrows just to listen.

So many miracles will forever be in our memory.

Our favorite times we shared with Rhema were simple, but memorable. We looked forward to bath time every night where we would cover her in bubbles and let her toes dangle in the warm water…all 11 of them. And then after bath time she seemed to wake up a bit more and play. It was at those times daddy would steal her away and dance with her….and now she is dancing with the Father…. I could hear her laughing with him in those precious moments. She only laughed with her daddy.


At times while I was pregnant with Rhema, fear would creep in, just not knowing what was going on inside of my tummy. I remember clearly the day God spoke to me- He said, “ The baby is not yours”. I remember saying back to him- “oh yes she is”. But something changed after that day. I knew no matter what that God was going to take care of everything. Shortly after Rhema was born I was reminded of that again. God quietly said to us, “she’s not yours”. And today we hear the same thing; that Rhema truly belongs to God. And even though it doesn’t make our hearts stop hurting, we will rest in knowing that one day we’ll understand. She is so beautiful and has won the victory that we all as believers yearn for…to see that face of God. And we are so overwhelmed to know that the first time her eyes ever opened, it was to see her creator.

The Bible tells us in II Samuel that David cried out and fasted for the healing of his own son. David’s son still died. And even though God did not heal him, David immediately picked himself up, washed himself and went to the temple to worship.
No matter the pain we face or the events that happen, we will NEVER stop worshiping God; because God is STILL sovereign.

“Father, you are so beautiful. There is non that compares to You. Who can take my brokenness and make something new? Only You. You are so beautiful. You will be our song for all eternity.' 'We are left in AWE of You.' God, hold us close. Show us your love and comfort. Bring us to a new place of intimacy with you. Allow Rhema’s life to continue to radiate your love. Surly Rhema is dwelling in the house of the Lord. Watch over her for us. Hold her close in your arms. Kiss her on her cheek and tell her that her daddy and mommy will always love her.”