I have never quite met anyone else like Jodi Ann Green
Esquivel!She is someone who literally
has the gift to change the atmosphere – that girl brings so much light into a
room when she enters.Her smile is huge
and her personality is way bigger than that!Jodi makes me laugh all the time – is always being bad in church
(writing notes or trying to talk quietly ... but not able to be quiet) – and she taught
me the most amazing pelvic dance, that I will always cherish!Jodi thought it would be funny to pretend
like she knew sign language in high school and felt really bad when people
began praying that God would increase her love for it – so funny!And, oh – that singing voice ... something I
will never forget!Don't be fooled – she
wasn't much of a singer, but I sure LOVED when she would sing, would make me
laugh for hours.Jodi has the most laid
back and enjoyable personality – nothing shakes her and she just laughs about
everything!
(Jodi with Hallie & her nephew Levi) (Jodi & Justin)
Jodi, at only 27 years old, is a warrior and has put up an
incredible fight against kidney cancer, which spread throughout her body, for
the past 2 years.That girl was strong ....
The strongest person I have ever seen.She would never let us cry in front of her – because in her words she
was "fine" and God forbid we make any sort of big deal out of the fact that she
had cancer! JJodi was faithful to be at everything she
committed to – no matter how excruciating her pain was and always had a smile
on her face and some sort of joke in her mouth!Jodi made sure that through the two years that she fought this awful
disease, she pointed everyone to Christ.Her biggest fear was that if she was not healed and she ended up dying,
people would be disappointed in God and not believe Him for who He really
is.I can say –Jodi – to you, everyone
saw Christ in You!!We are more aware of
who He is because of you and the way that you showed Him in your life.Jodi went on to be with the Lord just this
morning and I would in no way be exaggerating when I say that people are
completely devastated to lose her here.I personally cannot imagine what my life will look like back at home
without Jodi in it.My heart is
completely broken over losing her, but I know that she is completely whole
again and not only that – but for crying out loud – she is with JESUS!!I want nothing more than to be in the
presence of Jesus and Jodi is there.
(Jodi & me - Christmas 2008) (Jodi & her ladies)
I ask you to please be praying for Justin – Jodi's husband
and Hallie (their 3 year old daughter).I know that Justin is at peace, because watching Jodi suffer was
horrible ... but I also know that he feels lost without her.Jodi has an enormous family who loves each
other deeply and honestly – Jodi was a rock for this family.Her never-ending faith and trust in the Lord
truly was unshakeable!
I could go on and on and on about the ways that Jodi has
changed my life.I know that I am
forever changed because of who she was and is – and I am forever grateful to
God for placing her in my life many years ago.I love you Jodi – I will miss you more than I can even understand!
dee,
i am praying for you as well because i cannot imagine having to deal with this where you are. I know you would love to be here to comfort the families and grieve with him...but remember God has his purposes. I hope that you can get through this until you come home soon! I love you!
2Posted by Aunt Debbie on 10/30/2009 9:43:43 AM
Darci, we love you! I know this is extremely difficult for you, but please know you made Jodi smile and be happy as much as she did you! You have been a great friend to them, and I know your prayers and strength helped Jodi. God bless you and keep you safe. We cannot wait for you to get home!
3Posted by Vickey on 10/30/2009 9:56:02 AM
What a wonderful story...such a brave young woman. I will keep her family in my prayers.
4Posted by Debbie Lawson on 10/30/2009 10:15:50 AM
Darci.
Wow - is all I can say. Thanks for the photos and the reminders of who Jodi was and is. Thanks for expressing such joy about where she is RIGHT now! In the arms of Jesus...what better place is there? My heart breaks for Justin, Hallie and, of course, all her wonderful family and faithful friends. She was one of a kind. A person we can aspire to. Quite a challenge...quite a challenge.
5Posted by Michael Monk on 10/30/2009 10:22:57 AM
Our prayers go out to Justin and all of the family as they deal with such a tragic loss. God Bless you all and hold you close.
6Posted by Ms. Patti on 10/30/2009 10:24:03 AM
Darci, You honored her well. She is beautiful and she is dancing again in the presence of her Lord! We will be praying for Justin and Hallie and YOU!
LOVE YOU MUCH!
7Posted by Julie on 10/30/2009 11:10:08 AM
I agree with you completely. What a beautiful tribute to such an amazing woman of God! My heart is with you as you deal with this from afar. I love you!
8Posted by D'Anna on 10/30/2009 11:25:47 AM
Darci,
You words are beautiful and perfect. You are an amazing woman and friend. I love you!!! D'Anna
9Posted by Robbie on 10/30/2009 12:24:41 PM
Darci,
What a gift you have for putting in to words what so many of us think! Thank you for taking the time to voice our heart's words.
10Posted by Lynne Cooper on 10/30/2009 1:58:49 PM
I never met Jodi but feel enriched by the words of her cousin. It makes me want to be a beacon like that. How wonderful even in death to make a stranger feel closer to God. Thank you for sharing your story with us. She lives on through her precious daughter and in your hearts.
11Posted by Whitnie on 10/30/2009 2:31:56 PM
Wonderfully written, Darci. Thank you for your words! And thank you, also, for the pictures; it was so comforting to see her!
12Posted by Esther Stafford on 10/30/2009 2:57:00 PM
Sweet Darci......absolutely wonderful tribute to our beloved Jodi!!!! I read it several times and was so touched! We are all so heavy hearted but we know that she is resting in the arms of our wonderful maker!! love you girl!!
13Posted by Bonnie Sasser on 10/30/2009 3:14:00 PM
That was the most awe inspiring message I have ever read!! The part about people being mad at God is so true--but we ask for understanding and peace!! You did forget one thing tho! After she gets out of LORD'S arms her paw-paw TR [Isay stands for trouble] Hardin will be waiting to get the next hug! She was so loved but God wanted her more!! Thank you!!
14Posted by Jean on 10/30/2009 5:37:12 PM
Darci, Perfect, fitting tribute to Jodi. Only you can get by with saying "pelvic dance" in a tribute. Wish you were here girl. Can't wait to see you. xoxo
15Posted by chiu on 10/30/2009 5:55:44 PM
darc, i'm sure jodi was just as blessed to have a friend like you and the way you honored her, she's probably feeling it from up there. i know it was hard for you last month and i pray that God's surrounding you with arms to embrace you, shoulders to lean on, and fingers to catch your tears. will be prayin for Jodi's family - she sounds amazing, a true gift to everyone she knew.
16Posted by Dixie on 10/30/2009 6:49:12 PM
Darci- it is so hard to lose a friend here on earth, even when we know we will see them face to face again one day. What a nice tribute you give to your dear friend. I am praying for you, that God guards your heart and comforts. (Hollie's mom)
17Posted by Kristen LaGrappe Baxter on 10/30/2009 8:07:37 PM
well said my friend.
18Posted by Kathi on 10/30/2009 8:43:33 PM
Darci...you are an inspiration to everyone that is reading this!!!!....How special to have a friend that has sooo many sweet things to say about them!!!!....I'm sure Jodi is smiling!!!....God Bless You, honey!!!!
19Posted by Melody Dixon on 10/30/2009 9:00:59 PM
Darci, God gave you some beautiful words that will comfort so many in the loss of precious Darci.
20Posted by Aunt Sue on 10/30/2009 9:50:08 PM
Darci,
There you are on the other side of the world and your words and precious pictures of Jodi have comforted us here. She was such a true example of God's joy!! Thank you !!
21Posted by Aunt Linda on 10/30/2009 10:27:45 PM
Darci,
I was never fortunate enough to meet Jodi, but kept up with her through you over the last year and also on her care pages. She was just a remarkable young women and taught everyone that she touched so much. I know that everyone that knew her will never be the same. And, how blessed she was to have you for a friend. I know how very proud of you I am every day, but especially today. There is nothing like family and true friends and you are always the best friend to all that you meet and love. I'm so sorry that you are having to go through losing such a dear friend and being so far away from all of us. We love you and are counting the days to seeing you again. We are praying for you and most certainly for Jodi's husband, beautiful daugther and loving family.
22Posted by Lori Hamilton on 10/30/2009 10:37:21 PM
You put my thoughts into words. I will miss her laugh and her big smile. What a beautiful testimony!
Be safe, Darci, and hope to see you soon.
23Posted by bree on 10/30/2009 11:18:34 PM
i never met jodi, but her story breaks my heart. my prayers are with her family and friends. i'm sorry for your loss.
24Posted by Nancy on 10/31/2009 12:55:32 AM
I hope you can feel that I am hugging you from here...amazing lady with an amazing friend. Thank you for taking the time to share your heartfelt thoughts -- I am praying for peace within for you and her wonderful family. Love you!
25Posted by Anna Coffey on 10/31/2009 5:04:02 AM
Darci,
I am grateful to God for putting you in my life and placing you on our team. You truly are an amazing woman of God. I didn't know Jodi (obviously) but the stories you have shared throughout the year have been a testimony to all of us. And I can only imagine how wonderful she was because of how wonderful you are.
You know that I have seen death and I understand the pain that comes with it but you also know that God has used those painful things for His glory and to bless me beyond what I can ever understand. Last night, I thought about what you said to me on the anniversary of my mom's passing. You told me, "This sucks and it is okay to claim that." And you also reminded me of Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
God's comfort is with you. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." -2 Corinthians 1:3
I love you and miss you a ton! See you soon!
26Posted by Suzan Garner on 11/1/2009 9:25:41 AM
What a lovely tribute to Jodi! You Groves ladies have been lifelong encouragers for each other.....such a great gift in the Christian walk! You will all miss her, and I pray for the peace that surpasses all understanding for all of you.
Joy in Christ,
Suzan Garner
27Posted by Robby on 11/1/2009 3:41:29 PM
Darci, Thanks for sharing your love for her through this simple message and it echos of a woman who fearless and passionatly served Him till the end and now..she sings and laughs in Glory!
28Posted by Karen on 11/2/2009 8:06:25 AM
Darci, where did someone so young become such a treasure for friends and family alike. I remember my hour of need and requesting from your mom that I wanted to see you. I'll nerver forget the words you gave me, and I know in my heart that the words of encouragement that you have given Jodi's family and friends will be long remembered and cherished. God Bless you.
29Posted by Tabitha on 11/8/2009 10:47:32 PM
Dee, I am sorry. *big-hug-that-lasts-at-least-2min-and-43.2sec* Your words are great with what you said about Jodi, I just wanted you to know that I care about what you are going through. love you so much friend. tabs
30Posted by Krisi Lemaire Girolamo on 11/10/2009 6:32:40 AM
Darci,
I was brought to your site when your (amazing) post about Jodi circulated and I just wanted to say thank you for your incredible words and also for what you are doing to better this world. I am in awe of what God is doing through you and the rest of your family and i just wanted to share that with you.
This particular post really hit home with me b/c by nature I am also a little bit of a control freak. :) Pretty ironic that a loving God would create me this way and expect me and want so badly for me to just trust Him. What a sense of humor He has eh? :)
So many things I have turned loose of and laid down at the feet of Jesus, vowing to let Him have total control...crying my tears and walking away free of the chains and free of the burdens of carrying that load. And then as I get to the 'door', I run back and pick them up again. Not b/c I don't trust Him to take care of (my children, my loved ones, my job, my whatever) but b/c it is scary to not be in control...to not feel like I have some say in the outcome. Basically it is scary to trust COMPLETELY.
But that is what faith is all about. Trusting and submitting completely to someone we believe in yet cannot physically see. Following Him even when we don't understand His ways completely. Continuing to love Him and seek Him even when life just isn't "fair".
Thank you for your reminder about our need to trust completely and for exposing your inner thoughts so that other Christians can learn and benefit from knowing that we are not alone in this struggle to strengthen our faith.
Sincerely,
Krisi
Add Your comments: Use this form only to comment on the article that you just read.
If you have a question, please click here to use the Contact form instead. Thanks!
i am praying for you as well because i cannot imagine having to deal with this where you are. I know you would love to be here to comfort the families and grieve with him...but remember God has his purposes. I hope that you can get through this until you come home soon! I love you!
Wow - is all I can say. Thanks for the photos and the reminders of who Jodi was and is. Thanks for expressing such joy about where she is RIGHT now! In the arms of Jesus...what better place is there? My heart breaks for Justin, Hallie and, of course, all her wonderful family and faithful friends. She was one of a kind. A person we can aspire to. Quite a challenge...quite a challenge.
LOVE YOU MUCH!
You words are beautiful and perfect. You are an amazing woman and friend. I love you!!! D'Anna
What a gift you have for putting in to words what so many of us think! Thank you for taking the time to voice our heart's words.
There you are on the other side of the world and your words and precious pictures of Jodi have comforted us here. She was such a true example of God's joy!! Thank you !!
I was never fortunate enough to meet Jodi, but kept up with her through you over the last year and also on her care pages. She was just a remarkable young women and taught everyone that she touched so much. I know that everyone that knew her will never be the same. And, how blessed she was to have you for a friend. I know how very proud of you I am every day, but especially today. There is nothing like family and true friends and you are always the best friend to all that you meet and love. I'm so sorry that you are having to go through losing such a dear friend and being so far away from all of us. We love you and are counting the days to seeing you again. We are praying for you and most certainly for Jodi's husband, beautiful daugther and loving family.
Be safe, Darci, and hope to see you soon.
I am grateful to God for putting you in my life and placing you on our team. You truly are an amazing woman of God. I didn't know Jodi (obviously) but the stories you have shared throughout the year have been a testimony to all of us. And I can only imagine how wonderful she was because of how wonderful you are.
You know that I have seen death and I understand the pain that comes with it but you also know that God has used those painful things for His glory and to bless me beyond what I can ever understand. Last night, I thought about what you said to me on the anniversary of my mom's passing. You told me, "This sucks and it is okay to claim that." And you also reminded me of Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
God's comfort is with you. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." -2 Corinthians 1:3
I love you and miss you a ton! See you soon!
Joy in Christ,
Suzan Garner
I was brought to your site when your (amazing) post about Jodi circulated and I just wanted to say thank you for your incredible words and also for what you are doing to better this world. I am in awe of what God is doing through you and the rest of your family and i just wanted to share that with you.
This particular post really hit home with me b/c by nature I am also a little bit of a control freak. :) Pretty ironic that a loving God would create me this way and expect me and want so badly for me to just trust Him. What a sense of humor He has eh? :)
So many things I have turned loose of and laid down at the feet of Jesus, vowing to let Him have total control...crying my tears and walking away free of the chains and free of the burdens of carrying that load. And then as I get to the 'door', I run back and pick them up again. Not b/c I don't trust Him to take care of (my children, my loved ones, my job, my whatever) but b/c it is scary to not be in control...to not feel like I have some say in the outcome. Basically it is scary to trust COMPLETELY.
But that is what faith is all about. Trusting and submitting completely to someone we believe in yet cannot physically see. Following Him even when we don't understand His ways completely. Continuing to love Him and seek Him even when life just isn't "fair".
Thank you for your reminder about our need to trust completely and for exposing your inner thoughts so that other Christians can learn and benefit from knowing that we are not alone in this struggle to strengthen our faith.
Sincerely,
Krisi
Add Your comments:
Use this form only to comment on the article that you just read.
If you have a question, please click here to use the Contact form instead. Thanks!