Dear Mandisa,
My name is Lisa. I recently attended an incrediably powerful concert of yours at Beall Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon Florida. I came with two of my dear Bible Study friends. Of course we all did the Believing God Study at the same time as you on AI and screamed and jumped up and down, when you did the hand motions for "I believe God". So coming to your concert was so fun and anticipated. What we didn't expect is how much you would be a vessle of the Lord for me that night. I know this is long, and I am not sure if you read this forum, but I just wanted to share with you a little inside story.
I have a 6 year old little boy. He was born with a rare liver disease. We were told he would not make it to be 1 years old with out a liver transplant. The road was terrifying for us but in the midst of our fear and suffering we met another special family. My little boy Aiden and our friend's daughter Haley were connected by something greater than we could imagine. Over the years Aiden seemed to do better but sadly Haley did not. Through great suffering and pain, sweet Haley was only 11 years old when she went to be with the Lord. This was October of 2005.
You spoke at the concernt about a story of two friends one named Cheryl and another who lost a baby during pregnancy. Haley's mom's name is also Cheryl. I was really though floored, actually breathless when I heard you speak of the incrediable book Heaven by Randy Alcorn. Then soon after you sang a song which was so beautiful and I know will be an anthom to mothers everywhere who has a sick child or lost a child. The song of the little boy's perspective in Heaven. You see, now that Haley has become an angel, my little Aiden has become sick again. I heard that song and actually was so emotional had to run out of the worship center because it was so real to me. There were so many moments that night that I can't place into words, but they touched me and reminded me that even though my sweet boy is sick and has suffered, that God is with us everyday.
Here is the goosebump part though... it is about Haley and my best friend Cheryl. Haley was a gift to us. And God gave her a special gift as well. Haley sang. Not only did she sing, but she sang and recorded music for all the children who suffered like she did. Haley was listed for a liver transplant in Atlanta Ga, and everyone knew of her special gift. She sang in the hospital for the kids, (even while she was hooked to IV's herself). She wrote songs about certian children reminding them that God is with them. She sang at fundraisers, events for the hospital, and even at Turner Feild.. she sang the National anthem. But now, our songbird is singing in a choir in Heaven.
Cheryl, Haley's mom knew that she had to work through her grief and continue to spread Haley's message of Hope. The Haley Vincent Foundation was created. I sit on this foundation with my friend. I am in charge of sending packages to sick kids, and Cheryl sends the packages to grieving families. In this package, Cheryl always includes one main book. "Heaven," by Randy Alcorn. It is the mission they have carried on in the name of this sweet song bird Haley. Randy Alcorn even has sent some books and studies to Cheryl so they can continue to pass on this incrediable "eternal perspective."
Currently, Haley's Foundation is working to create a Music Therapy program at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. (Children's hospital). I don't know why God laid this on my heart to share with you, but I know that you were just an incrediable vessle that night. I wept so many tears knowing that even though there is so much pain on Earth at times, God has promised us a joy in Heaven that is beyond understanding. I desperatly wanted to share with you the link to Haley's site. You can listen to her music there and know that even though her stage was small, her message was the same as yours. God is with you. My favorite songs of course are "Everywhere" and "Sarah's song". (they are on the site under music)
www.thehaleyvincentfoundation.com
We would LOVE to send you a CD. It is a labor of love for this sweet family, and I hope it blesses you as much as you have blessed others.
Thank You Mandisa for simply following your heart that night. Thank you for having a compassion and understanding about something most people don't thing about. Losing a child, or having one that is sick, is something most people don't consider. But God bless you for bringing HOPE and love to people who have walked this journey.
Sisters in Christ,
Lisa Hawk
Rolexh@aol.com
Haley recording her CD before she passed away
This is Cheryl and Haley (on left) and myself and my son Aiden on right....