Melinda Penner—STR’s cofounder and our beloved “Enforcer” for 25 years until her debilitating accident nearly six years ago—went home to be with the Lord yesterday morning.
Because Melinda’s health had been faltering badly in the past few weeks, and because Tuesday was her birthday, Amy Hall, Meg Crowley, and I dropped by to see her that evening.
She was sedated, had difficulty breathing, and wasn’t able to communicate with us, yet it was clear Melinda recognized us and was glad we were there. We talked to her, sang “Happy Birthday” to her, and then prayed over her.
Tuesday was Melinda’s birthday. Wednesday was her graduation day.
It is not possible to overstate Melinda’s impact on my life for the 35 years I knew her, or on Stand to Reason for a quarter of a century, or on the lives of countless others who have been transformed for the kingdom’s sake through her efforts.
Melinda served us all faithfully because she honored her Savior first in everything. Well done, Mindy. Welcome home.