A Tribute to Lauren Ashley McCain

I didn't realize Lauren was one of us. Just realized after reading this that we probably did see her in some of the local homeschooling group events in the area. If she was who I think she was, this tribute is just. That teenager was a total sweetheart who loved Jesus. I remember gratefully a young lady in her VA Beach sweatshirt who rescued my then toddler son from some PS kids who had shoved him aside to better their place in line at a treat table at one of our rare 'open' functions. (I was at the pinata station) She got through to them without raising her voice & reassured my little son with a grace that was a joy to see. Thanks to her rapid intervention the incident remained small and soon forgotten, even by my DS. God bless you, Lauren. Heaven is the richer and we the poorer for your absence. Til we meet at the table...

Susan

Forwarded from Homeschool Hotlines (in Va)


A Tribute to Lauren Ashley McCain


HEAV Update
April 21, 2007

All week I've tried to write something, anything, but the words
wouldn't come. This was also the week of the one-year anniversary of my mom's unexpected passing.

Others have had much to say, thoughts to share, a Day of Mourning to
proclaim, an analysis to make. This has been a tragic week.

And the homeschool community is not unaffected.

Lauren Ashley McCain, a 20-year-old homeschool graduate and the daughter of Dave and Sherry McCain of Hampton, was lost to us this week. Lauren, a freshman at Virginia Tech, was majoring in International Studies.

I've read Lauren's blog, I've read her obituary. I've read what others have had to say about her online. I've read the thoughts and prayers of her family and friends--their pleas on Monday--while there was hope--for her to call home.

Two years ago at the HEAV commencement, I called her name and watched as she received her high school diploma from her parents.

One thing is clear: Lauren loved the Lord Jesus. Her life was a testimony to Him.

She wrote in her blog: "The purpose and love of my life is Jesus Christ. I don't have to argue religion, philosophy, or historical evidence because I KNOW Him. He is just as real, if not more so, as my 'earthly' father."

In her graduation biography she proclaimed, "God is my passion ... I want to glorify Christ and encourage others to do the same."

She played for the BEACH Breakers girls' soccer team. She was Coach Leslie Carmichael's center fullback for the school years 2003, 2004, and 2005.

Coach Karen Macri said, "Lauren was a vibrant believer; no one who knew her could have doubted her love for the Lord."

Department Head Kellie Kessler wrote, "She was a very sweet girl and had a good relationship with her Jesus. She was always so wonderful to have on the team and just a joy to everyone."

Brenda Hardison summed it up so well when she wrote,

"All who knew Lauren in the homeschool community loved her dearly and mourn her death; but we rejoice that she is with her Lord, who filled her short life with such profound purpose and meaning. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the McCain family for peace and comfort in the coming days."

Amen and Amen.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you McCain family, as they are with all the families who have suffered grievous losses this week. We look with you to the day spoken of by John in Revelation when God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. Ahhh...what a glorious day that will be.

In His love,

Anne Miller
HEAV President

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Restoration Church to go towards her brother and sister's college education, and to help fulfill Lauren's desire to fund an International Studies student at Virginia Tech.

Send to:
The McCain Family
c/o Restoration Church
508 Fox Hill Road
Hampton, VA 23669

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