Soul Restored

ft. Sarah and Mike Lewis
Jul 25, 2016
3 min read

Momma, a perfect combination of stubborn and sweet, beauty and strength. She loved Jesus. She loved family. Her memory lives on...

In 2012, when diagnosed with ovarian cancer, our family was in disbelief. Mom was healthy and strong. I was in denial that this was the journey our family would now be embarking on. It didn’t make sense. I was angry, confused, downhearted. I cried out to God in desperation and yet, He laid on my heart these words, “Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles” (Psalm 119:50 NLT). As a family we stood together and we faced the journey.

We watched our sweet momma fight the battle with dignity. She slowly began to grow weary but the smile never faded. I remember a particular Sunday morning while at church. During a time of worship, I looked at my mom. Her hat was covering her bare head. Her eyes were closed. Her hands were lifted high. She was crying out the Lord and it was a beautiful moment.

She wasn’t afraid. She wasn’t angry. She just believed.

The last moments of her life were difficult. The reality of the situation had revealed itself. Two long years had passed. Two long years that had passed too quickly! It was only a matter of time. As a family, we gathered around our beautiful mom and prayed. We felt His presence comfort us as the tears fell. As we said amen, she looked at us and said her last words, “I get to see Jesus”. She fell into a deep sleep that lasted for many days before she passed into the arms of Jesus. In the early morning, as our dad slept next to our mom hand in hand, she breathed her last breath. We kissed her and said goodbye with unwavering hope.

“I get to see Jesus.”

I cling to those simple words.

God revealed the epitome of hope in that precious moment. Hope in what seemed hopeless. Joy in the midst of sorrow. Peace in the midst of turmoil. Purpose in the midst of pain.

What was the purpose? Mom desired for all to know Him. As we celebrated her life with family and friends, Soul RESTORED became a vision of ministry. It was derived from a deep appreciation of her beautiful soul that yearned for Jesus. We reflected on her purposeful life. She made a difference in the community. Alongside my dad, we founded Soul RESTORED (Embracing Our Brokenness|Embracing His Restoration) because, well to put it simply, grace upon grace. We became a father & daughter duo crafting engraved wood decor with the intention of bringing hope to others.

The hearts of my family ache to spend one more day with mom. It has been so difficult. Her smile, her laugh, her hugs, her humor, everything about her is greatly missed. In the moments when sorrow seems to take hold, He speaks softly the words of Isaiah,

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

( Isaiah 43:2&3 NIV).

Life brings pain but life brings joy. God is faithful and His promises remain. Cling to Him, for He is God our Savior. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:4 NLT).

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A word from the founders

Hi, I’m Sarah, founder of Soul RESTORED. I’m a daughter of the King saved by His grace. I was born and raised in beautiful Southern California. I love spending quality time with my family, laughing and making memories with my nieces and nephews. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern making my way towards licensure slowly but surely. You can usually find me relaxing while watching Hallmark Channel original movies and sipping on the perfect blend of espresso, ice cream and chocolate from my favorite coffee shop. I’m far from perfect and I embrace all the brokenness because life is grace upon grace upon grace. May God bless you!

Hi, I’m Mike, craftsman of Soul RESTORED and father to Sarah. I’m a father and grandfather restored by the grace of God. I’m a family man and I cherish the time I spend with my children and grandchildren. As an outdoorsman, I enjoy sustaining my seven acres of wide open space surrounded by God’s creation. I’ve spent over 35 years in my woodshop designing and building furnishings for family and friends. I find joy in a finished product - a sense of beauty from ashes. Blessings to you!