Today WE WILL celebrate!
My friend, the one and only Summer Sunshine, has left her cancer ridden shell to be with her Heavenly Father!
Just in case you you are new to EpicParent and are not familiar with Summer’s story, you can check it out HERE.
While I know that there is pain, hurt, sorrow, questions and even anger…
We need to allow these words of Revelation 21 sink deep into our heart, soul and mind.
“I heard a loud voice shout from the throne:
God’s home is now with his people. He will live with them, and they will be his own. Yes, God will make his home among his people. He will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain. These things of the past are gone forever.”
Summer has no pain.
Summer has no sorrow.
Summer IS HEALED.
Her husband, Jeremy Kempfer, called me just a few hours before she passed and here is what he had to say…
“Summer has made it very clear to me over the past 7 years that I am the #2 person in her life. I can’t tell you how many times she has told me that the #1 man in her life is her Heavenly Father. It’s time for Summer to leave this earth to be with the #1 man in her life.”
Although Summer has passed, I ask that you would still pray for her family.
Jeremy: Jeremy is an amazing man of God that has exhibited fearless leadership in guiding his family through this tragedy. He must now rise to the task of raising his four young children as a single father.Taylor: We met Summer and Jeremy when Taylor was just a baby. They would bring “Baby Taylor” over to the house and Team Sprad would pray over him. We would pray that his mom and dad would receive Jesus! Today “Baby Taylor” is 12 years old and he needs your prayers.
Savanna: She is a 9 year old beauty that was very close to her momma. I believe that the Prince of Peace will give this young lady a peace that passes all understanding.
Jaylen: This kiddo is a 5 year old IN YOUR FACE boy. He is full of life, love and Red Bull energy! I pray that God would give him comfort and clarity during this time of confusion.
Sarah-Kate: Sarah is the baby, just over a year old. I pray that God would give Jeremy supernatural strength when it comes to raising a baby! I know he will do well.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT for Jeremy and the kiddos and I will make sure that they read them!!
Chris, my prayers are with this family. Keep reminding us to pray for them. Thanks for sharing their story.
Psalm 116 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
I am praying for this precious family. God bless them with overflowing peace and comfort.
We are so sorry to hear this sad news! Summer’s beauty and love for Jesus captured my attention when I first read her story. We are broken hearted that she has passed, yet we are so thankful she is no longer suffering. Our prayers will continue to be with Jeremy and her beautiful children.
Jeremy–I wish I could be there to hug your neck! Honestly–I have no great words…only our father can truly comfort you at this time. What I do pray is that in the next days, weeks, months and even years–the Lord will continue to place people strategically in your life to help raise those little people. You are not their daddy by chance–you were HAND PICKED to be their daddy. You may not get it right all the time, but even in your failures, you are perfect for them. Thank you for sharing Summer with the rest of us….lives will be forever changed by her fingerprint!! Love always, The Texas Spradlin crew–( Shea, Lesley, Austin and Lexi!)
I also have no words. I feel sick to my stomach. She has been on my heart lately, a woman I never met but connected by the name ‘Mom.’ I am so sorry.
We are praying for each of you right now and asking God to hold you in his hand…
Kempfer Family,
May the God of wisdom pour out his love over you! What a blessing your wife’s story has been for so many. I pray God will carry you through every moment He needs you to experience to prepare you for this next phase of your life. I know God has plans for you. Our prayers are with you!
God bless you!
Remember, it’s not supposed to be this way. One day the world will again be what God intended it to be. A world where loved ones stay and never have to leave. A world where there is no pain or sorrow. God loves you all very much and His heart is breaking for you as He shares your grief. Let Him hold you and comfort you. He made our feelings and He knows we have them. Don’t stifle them. Let them out. Deal with them. Talk about Summer. Love her and cry together and cling to God and He will give you peace. Keep your eyes on Him and look forward to the day that you will see her again. I can’t wait to meet her, and all of you, someday. My love to you all. Your Sister in Christ, Dona
Chris, I was hoping to get a chance to meet you. Thank you for being in Auburn to speak at the Celebration and for sharing your precious image of Summer Sunshine when she blew into your life. Thank you for praying over Taylor and the Kempfers. Summer’s spiritual, physical, and mental impact in my life goes beyond words; thank you for loving her and Jeremy into the Kingdom so that our Lord and Savior could complete the amazing work He began in her. She leaves behind her a testimony of a life well lived!
Jeremy – you are amazing! Summer’s celebration was beautiful! I have a dear friend that has gone through some very rough storms. She always reminds me that she got through the tough times by asking God to give her GRACE for the day. The load was too heavy to carry all at once. But, God’s grace sustained her daily. Jeff and I are asking God for a supernatural GRACE for you and the kiddos. AND… we are just minutes away, when you need us. Love & Prayers, Jeff and Pam