Balloons For Donna
We gathered outside the chapel patio
on a gorgeous August night, releasing our helium balloons to the sky and
proclaiming, "We love you, Donna!" That was the fitting
conclusion to the remarkable funeral I attended last Thursday honoring the life
of Donna Lagerquist.
Those who have ever purchased a drama script from Willow Creek Resources most likely
recognize the name - she wrote over 100 of them, including many of our
classics: No Accident, Flying Lessons, The Story of Rachel, Nice Guy,
and No More Womb to name a few. Donna died at the age of 49 from
cancer. She was a wife to Paul, mother to Carly (about 14) and Emily
(about 8), and a prayer warrior. I would guess about 600 of us packed the
chapel at my church to celebrate her life and legacy.
Donna's story inspired and lifted so many people, because
like many artists she came from an extremely challenging family background and
struggled with many anxieties and fears. Through the power of the Holy
Spirit and great Christian counseling, Donna faced her issues with
courage. She was a fighter. After a leading from God to turn from
her primary focus in ministry as a drama writer and actress about seven years
ago, Donna launched a prayer ministry with her good friend and co-drama leader
Sharon Sherbondy, along with her husband Paul. This ministry they called Trumpet
Call lifted up those with all kinds of needs in powerful prayers to
God. Donna had the gift of faith, and her relentless spirit of hope was
shared with friends, family, and even strangers. It was almost impossible
to leave Donna's presence anywhere close to the same as you were when you
arrived.
At the memorial service we laughed and cried, watched video
highlights of Donna's acting work over a couple decades, heard person after
person give witness to Donna's impact on their life, and worshiped God together.
Led by longtime Drama Director Steve Pederson, it was a beautiful evening woven
with Scripture and addressing with great honesty our sense of loss. We do
not understand God's ways.
One of the personal highlights of the evening for me was
observing the community of artists - especially theatrical folks and vocalists
- who came out of the woodwork to honor Donna. It was truly a blast from
the past for me, seeing those who built our arts ministry from the mid-80's
until about the year 2000 all assembling and re-connecting. What a
testimony to the community Steve has built to see several people who flew in
for the event! It was a glorious tribute both to Donna and to the wonder
of authentic and loving community.
I've decided that balloons are a wonderful way to bring
closure to the celebration of a life so well lived. Donna, you have left
an amazing legacy and you are already missed. We all agreed that heaven
is a place filled today with even more joy, laughter, honesty, and devotion to Christ
because you are there.