She is the “More Than”

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NKJV

October 15, 2018 was the date of the book release party for my sister-friend’s new book, who also happened to be my very first client. I was so excited for her that the 40-minute drive seemed like 15 short minutes. Then, a few minutes into the event, my beautiful sister, Tonya, arrived with her awesome husband, Martin. It was so great to see them at the event. We are all church family and I’m always happy to see my church family. So, I walked up to greet them and Tonya said, “This is so wonderful! I’m so happy for Felicia. Tonight is date night, but I told Martin we had to come by here first and show our support!”

I will never forget that moment because what Tonya said embodied exactly who she was. Every encounter I’ve ever had with her was a display of elegance, wit, selflessness, attention to detail, servanthood, and a deep love for God. I was so taken back by those few sentences because she didn’t have to make the 40 minute drive to Bridgeton, NJ. Just like she didn’t have to come to my own book launch the following year. She didn’t have to serve in ministry while battling cancer. But that is what she did. So, I wasn’t surprised when I visited her a few months ago and she started telling me about the plans she had for our VWV Women’s Ministry Mother’s Day event. After all, she was VWV (Victorious Woman of Victory).

Even then as she rested on her couch from her treatments, her heart was for her sisters in Christ – her heart was to keep serving God. And, I was just as awestruck by her then as I had been 2 years prior. If I can be real, I don’t know if my mind would be on serving in the midst of the fight for my life! It was just another thing about her that amazed me. “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God,” Romans 4:20. You could easily replace Abraham’s name with Tonya’s, never wavering and bringing glory to God through her strong faith.

Sis, I don’t know what you’re battling – sickness, disease, lack, poverty, family troubles, broken marriage, depression, low self-esteem, unsaved family members. Whatever your fight is, here’s what I do know. Here’s what I have gained from watching my fierce sister these last few years in her health fight and even up until she had done “all to stand” which I want to share with you. You see, I learned that her life was never one of a conqueror, she was the MORE THAN. So, beloved, we are NOT conquerors. We are the MORE THAN.

^{*Tonya, this is how I will forever remember you until we see each other again.*}