I join in the grief of a huge spiritual family in Norman and others around the world right now who knew Melinda Evans - a young, energetic mother with a gigantic smile who was taken tonight by complications of reconstructive surgery after a fight with breast cancer. Melinda and her husband Mark were tremendous supporters in every way of Sooners for Christ. Please pray for Mark and the children right now.

I did not even know until earlier today that things were going badly for her. Mark and Melinda were, during my time there, one of the young couples that had actually stayed around Norman after college and were such a huge spiritual leadership team together in every way. I really do remember Melinda with nothing but a gigantic smile and she helped with various things and made appearances at the Outreach Center. A servant's heart. A leader's courage. A wife's devotion. A mother's love.

You give and take away.
You give and take away.
But my heart will choose to say
Blessed be your name.

Links:

• A good description of Melinda
• The Melinda update blog
• Mark's Blog (with lots and lots of pics of the kids)