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Content type: Sermon Poem / Prayer Service / Tribute Incomplete Biography
Body: Some of you may have followed “Brooklyn’s Journey Home” on Facebook. Today I we will have a memorial service for Brooklyn, accompanied by writings by Brooklyn from her posts on her Facebook page “Brooklyn’s Journey Home”. If you are a Face booker, I encourage you to visit this page. Brooklyn; “Allow me to introduce myself I’m Brooklyn. I’m a bit sarcastic. Tis’ true. I’m a lot of other things, but I’m a child of God first (John 1:12-13, Rom. 8:16-17, 1 John 3:1). I’m 25. I live in Colorado. I’m a writer. I adore animals. Theology and academia are my muses. I revel in music. I’m also sick. Soon to die. But so are you. I’m just doing it faster. So, if you think about it, I’m really just outdoing you in something. I have a garden variety of diseases. One of my core maladies is Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). It’s a disorder of the connective tissue. Mine is too stretchy, so I’m literally falling apart. This type of EDS is NOT terminal. Fellow patients have expressed concern that they will also die prematurely. Nope. hEDS patients have a normal life span. However… Comorbidities (co-occurring diseases) accompanying my hEDS are the entities ending my life. Dysfunction in my nervous system, immune system, and digestive tract are so severe that my body can no longer cope. My body is like a busy secretary who can't multitask. Except, unlike a secretary, I can't fire my body. I’m not going into detail to explain each disease. I wanted to give a broad view for general understanding. My goal isn’t chronic illness/disability education. There are other great accounts for that! My goal is to highlight God’s strength in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:10-12, 11:30). His faithfulness in the midst of suffering. Our future hope in Jesus beyond death (1 Pet. 1:3-9). He alone is eternally worthy (Rom. 11:36), and I am only temporarily sick.” Good morning and welcome. We’ve gathered today to remember and to celebrate the life of Brooklyn Salisbury. John 11:25-26 (NASB) 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" “25-year-old Brooklyn Salisbury passed away, peacefully in her home March 1. Brooklyn’s medical challenges all started due to delays in proper diagnosis and treatment for Lyme disease. She suffered tremendously yet still managed to keep her faith along with an amazing, positive attitude and sense of humor.” Brooklyn; “I’ve got good news! I awoke the other day thinking “Oh my goodness, I’m dying.” Of course, I’ve known this for a while, but yesterday, I felt it. I know what “dying” feels like, as I’ve been on this progression multiple times in my life. Other times, however, the prerogative was to fight and survive. This time, the goal is to surrender to the process. But I realize my real perogative here is also to survive --- to obtain eternal life (John 12:25). The good news? Assurance of eternal life. I’ve gotten many messages from people expressing their fear over death. There’s fear in not knowing our final fate. But I know of a way we can be sure of our soul’s fate. I am saved through the gospel of truth (Eph. 1:13). That gospel is this: God created the world and the first two people, Adam and Eve. The world was perfect. But Adam and Eve decided to sin (rebel against God, Gen. 1-4). This resulted in the “fall," that is, the whole world becoming corrupt and evil (Gen. 3). Sickness, tragedy, violence, and death resulted. Death is horrible. It wasn’t a part of original creation. So, God required the death of a perfect individual to cover sin and bring life (1 Pet. 1:18-19). He had a plan from the beginning. God would send His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth as God in the form of man (John 10:30). Jesus lived a perfect life and died without having ever sinned. Jesus rose again from the grave, conquering death (1 Cor. 15:55, Heb. 2:14) and offering salvation (restoration from a corrupt soul and giving eternal life) to all who believe in Him (John 11:25). Therefore, all who have faith in Jesus, who confess Him as the only way to eternal life, have been given the gift of life with Him forever. This is great news! All of creation, and the gospel, are meant to point to the glory of Jesus Christ, now seated at the right hand of God in heaven (Mark 16:19, 11:33-36). From Him, to Him, and through Him are all things forever (Jude 25)! How can I be sure of this gospel? I’ve read it in the God-inspired book: the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17). I’ve tested its words and it consistently rings true. I know I will be in paradise with God because that’s what He’s promised to His children (Eph. 2:19-20, John 1:12-13). How can YOU have this assurance? The Bible is clear on that too: 1. Recognize your sin (Rom. 3:11-12, 23, 6:23, Psalm 14:1, Psalm 53:1-3). 2. Confess your sin to God and ask for forgiveness (John 10:9-10, Matt. 4:17, 9:6-7, 1 John 1:9). 3. Believe Jesus is God (John 10:30), and in His death and resurrection as payment for your sin (1 Cor. 15:3-5). 4. Follow Jesus (Matt. 10:28, Mark 8:34, John 12:26). Though I’ve outlined it in four steps, following Jesus isn’t a formula. It’s a decision according to His will, by His grace, through faith (Eph. 2:8). Those who believe in Jesus will bear “fruit,” that is, their lives will look different than before (James 2:14-17, Matt. 3:8). And we are given the assurance of salvation.” Prayer Lord we’ve gathered today in your sight to remember and honor the life of Brooklyn and to help her family and friends walk this journey through the valley of the shadow of death. We pray today as Job prayed so many years ago: Job 1:21 (NASB) “…The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." You gave us Brooklyn as a special gift. She was truly a special person, daughter and sister, and a good friend to many. Thank you for the gift of Brooklyn’s life. And now that she is gone from us, we can only say to you, Blessed be the name of the LORD. You are a good God, and we trust you in this journey. We honor Your Name today. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen. “Brooklyn's greatest desire was for people to hear about Jesus and to know without a shadow of a doubt where they will go when they die. It is our hope and prayer that you now know Jesus too.” Death is like a shadow. Most of you are familiar with these words from Psalm 23 Psalm 23:1-6 (NASB) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In this passage, death is described as casting a shadow. Let’s look at that for a moment. Brooklyn; “Honestly, I left my doctor’s office with a giant smile on my face. My heart is overjoyed contemplating being in the fullness of God’s glory (1 Cor. 13:12). Conversely, I have been grieving with friends and family, as they must say goodbye. Death is awful. But, for the believer, it’s just the beginning.” Have you ever been enjoying a nice sunny day when suddenly, a dark cloud hides the sun? Suddenly, you’re in this shadow! What does the shadow do? It hides the light. It makes it more difficult to see the world and people around you. Darkness makes you feel all alone because you can’t see anyone else. Death is like a shadow. It makes us feel alone. It takes away some of the light in our lives. The good news is that the shadow is temporary. There will again come a time of rejoicing. As Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything. Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NASB) 4 A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. Brooklyn; “When sad makes happy... “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matt. 5:4 This verse has been hurled at me multiple times in moments of grief. I’ve ducked like we’re playing dodgeball. It never made sense. There it is, often standing alone in the arctic wind, without the verses surrounding it. It’s a passage my loved ones will hear when I die. But it seems contradictory. Unnatural. Like a cat who’s friends with a hamster. Or Bengals and Rams fans holding hands and singing Kumbaya. Jesus uttered Matthew 5:4 during His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). “Blessed” here means to be made happy. But why would the mere state of sadness bring joy? In this passage, mourning doesn’t refer to earthly sorrow over loss. Mourning in this instance is brokenness over our sinfulness before God. It’s humbly recognizing our need for Him as Savior and Lord because we are so spiritually broken (James 4:8-10). We cannot manifest joy on our own. Happiness only begins when we discover how spiritually needy we are (Matt. 5:3). Theologian Dr. John MacArthur puts it this way: "Happiness, or blessedness, does not come in the mourning itself. Happiness comes with what God does in response to it, with the forgiveness that such mourning brings." We cannot obtain the grace and forgiveness of the cross unless we acknowledge our need for it (Rom. 3:10-12). We are corrupt beings, plagued by sin from the moment we’re conceived (Psalm 51:5). Sin is any transgression against the holiness of God, and/or removal of His rightful place as Lord of our lives. That sin results in death (Rom. 6:23). Everlasting punishment awaits those who refuse to mourn over their sin. Matthew 5:4 is a promise. Godly sorrow brings about repentance (2 Cor. 7:10-11). Those who come sorrowfully repentant before Jesus, and believe in Him, will obtain both comfort and the grace of salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). Mourning can be joyful! But I still wouldn't let your hamster play with a cat. Or let rams and bengals play together.” So even though you are experiencing the shadow of death now, there will come a time again of rejoicing. So, the lesson is: Be ready to rejoice again. Let the shadow pass. Keep walking through the shadow to the brightness of life on the other side. Death is like a finish line. Brooklyn; “Do something. Do something with your life. Even if it’s small. But don’t do it for you. Do it for Him.” Toward the end of his life, Paul wrote these words as he anticipated his own death. II Timothy 4: 6-8 (NIV) 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Paul said that death was like finishing the race. Like crossing the finish line. That all of life is really about one thing – finishing well. Accomplishing the dreams and goals that God has for your life. Some people get distracted running the race of life. They start off following the goals and path that God has for them, but something leads them astray. Others seem to give up the race too soon. They throw in the towel when the race isn’t over yet. Brooklyn was not a quitter. And I want to encourage each of you to also not be a quitter. Would you take her example of not being a quitter and apply it to your life in pursuing God’s purpose for you? God has each of you here for a reason. You’re in your job for a reason. You’re in your school for a reason. You’re in your family for a reason. God put you here and He’s given you a race to run. Brooklyn; “This moment-to-moment living is similar to what daily dependence on Jesus should look like. As a general notion, we know our strength is found in Jesus (Psalm 73:26). But we often forget Christ calls us to Him daily. He is our daily bread (Luke 11:2-4). He promises to be enough for tomorrow while telling us not to worry about tomorrow (Matt. 6:25-34). This was the reason God gave the Israelites manna in the desert. Manna wasn’t just to feed the whining, hungry Israelites. God was teaching His people that “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4, Deut. 8: 3). They listened about as well as a two-year-old with construction grade ear protection… Knowing Christ meets our everyday needs, we don’t have to worry about the strength we need for tomorrow (Eph. 3:16). We needn’t worry about the trials to come (James 1:2). Instead, we can rest in the security of having our Daily Bread (John 6). God supplies for today and will be our portion forever (Lam. 3:24).” Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Brooklyn; ““Did you die?” Much like the inquiry of the tiny turtle in “Finding Nemo,” this question has been popping up in my inbox frequently. Answer: Nope, still kicking it. If you count “kicking” off my bed covers when I get too warm. As I wait for my last breaths I’ve been reading through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). The Apostle’s descriptions of Jesus’ crucifixion are a gut punch for anyone. Now, dying myself, the description of how my Savior died is so much more potent. It leaves me in awe of a God who was born into flesh, willing to die in brutality (and rise again) for the sin of humanity. Jesus didn’t JUST die… I’m dying in a pillow-top bed. He died naked and exposed amongst criminals. I get kind notes and cards from friends and strangers alike. He was hurled insults and abuse. My best friends visit me, His abandoned Him, denying even knowing Him (John 19, Mark 14-15). Every step of this process makes me even more elated over the gift of salvation (Rom. 10:9-10, Eph. 2:8). Salvation is a thing better than a million puppies. So, the answer is ‘Yes, I’m still alive, and dying.’” Death is like a finish line and the lesson is: Run your race well to the very end. Keep your eye on the goals and plans that God has for you. Brooklyn; “Something I haven’t mentioned publicly: I was taken off nutrition on the 8th. I rely 100% on the calories in my IV nutrition, called TPN (total parenteral nutrition). My stomach and intestines can’t digest and absorb food. I’ve been on nutrition support (tube feeds or IV food) for 3 ½ years. Part of the hospice process is completely cutting off this form of nutrition. It also means I’m fasting. Permanently. I’m gluten free. Dairy free. Nutrition free. It’s the new fad. This is not my first time going without nutrition. In the past, continuous complications had me down to a BMI of 14. I’m familiar with what starvation entails. It’s not fun. What is fun? Getting outside in my speedy wheelchair. The ONLY thing I like about being malnourished is how it makes me rely on Jesus. Jesus says He is my bread of life (John 6). Without actual bread, I’m pushed to rely on God’s promise of being my spiritual sustenance (Deut. 8:3, Matt. 4:4). He always provides exactly what I need (Matt. 6:25-34). It may not be what I think I need. Like the ability to eat...But it’s always what I DO need. For example: a lesson in faith, a special moment with Him, or time to meditate on His character (Psalm 63:6-8). Even when my physical sustenance is absent, God always provides my daily bread (Luke 11:1-4, Matt. 6:9-13) through His presence and perfect provision. If I have Jesus, I have all I need (2 Cor. 12:9).” Death is Not the End. Life doesn’t stop after you cross the finish line. Jesus endured the cross so that you and I could have forgiveness of sin and eternal life when we place our trust in Him. When we trust Jesus, we can know that death isn’t the end. We cross that milestone and enter heaven victoriously. Again. John 11:25-26 (NASB) 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" When we live our lives believing and following Jesus, we don’t have to fear death. We can be ready for it. Prayer Dear Lord, Thank you that we can look at death with understanding and hope. Because of what Jesus has done we can make sure our priorities are in order and can live our lives for you to the very end. Some of us today in our hearts want to just commit ourselves to you in a fresh way. Thank You for reminding us of what is really important in our lives. And once again we thank you for the life of Brooklyn. Thank you for the memories we will hold of her story in our hearts. Thank you for the many lives she touched. In Jesus name, Amen. Brooklyn’s Sister; Brooklyn is home. “She passed peacefully and comfortably in the early morning hours of March 1st. Thank you to all who have followed and shared my sister's story over the last two months. Brooklyn's greatest desire was for people to hear about Jesus and to know without a shadow of a doubt where they will go when they die. It is our hope and prayer that you now know Jesus too. Both Brooklyn and our family have been so overwhelmed and touched by all of your encouraging words and stories. We are in awe of how the Lord has used Brooklyn in such a difficult time to minister to hundreds of thousands of people. The Lord is good, and we are so amazed, humbled, and grateful for how God allowed my incredible sister to share the love of Jesus with people all around the world. We love Brooklyn so very much and she will be greatly missed. However, we also look forward to the day when we will be reunited with her in heaven. No more pain, no more suffering, and no more tears (Revelation 21:4).”
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