Melissa Camp: A Message I Shall Not Forget

Who really has it better?

Naturally, we mourn the temporaryseparation from our loved ones because we'd rather they remain with us and the sting of their absence is most profound, haunting even.

What tempers that heart ache are the sweet memories and the departed soul's echo.

Melissa Camp, first wife of singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp, has such an echo - her beauty still blesses this world with her rare and remarkable outlook on life, death and her love for Jesus Christ. Her selflessness exemplified other-worldly grace and I was humbled while reading her story because she touched me, even though she went home to be with the Lord six-years-ago.

As Melissa faced death she said to her husband, "If one person were to accept Jesus through my death, it would all be worth it."

And at the age of 21, Melissa died of ovarian cancer with her husband Jeremy by her side.

Just 21.

And she was that extraordinary.

She loved the Lord, and she wanted others to be saved so that they too, could know Jesus and live forever.

She thought of others before herself.

What a comfort to know that there are truly beautiful people out there in the world who have such inspiring faith: the humble few who end up leading the proud many.

I never had the chance to meet Melissa Camp but her wish of leading people to Christ has come to pass through her testimony brought to life by her husband Jeremy's devoted witness and powerful music. And while Jeremy Camp has remarried, he isn't afraid to speak Melissa's name and to reach others with her moving message. It's that message that reached me six years following Melissa's journey home. Thinking of her faith has brought me peace, comfort, inspiration and the desire to be a better person.