She Never Called Me By My Name...

This week we lost a beloved member of our church and our community, as Margaret Thornsburg passed away. She had prayed for Jesus to take her home to be with Him, and He answered that prayer.

As I think of Mrs. Thornsburg, there are some memories that come to mind. One is that her daughters used to babysit me. Another is, of course, a memory that many others have of her as well, she was my English teacher in high school. But the memory that stands out the most to me about Mrs. Thornsburg, is that she NEVER called me by my name. Ever.

From the time she taught my English class when I was a Freshman in high school, 'til the time she passed away, she always called me "Barbara". She knew that my very favorite singer/entertainer was (and still remains to be) Barbara Mandrell. So that's what she called me. Not Missy. Not Melissa. Barbara.

So, when John (our preacher) called to tell me that her daughters had asked me to sing at the funeral, they had also told him that she always referred to me as Barbara.

Today, as we honored her life, I was honored to sing at her funeral. It seemed such an appropriate ending to our relationship here on this Earth...that I, Missy/Barbara would have the chance to sing for her one more time....'til I see her again.