March 25, 2016 —

Marissa, We’ll See You Again!

“For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below – there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord” – Romans 8:38-39 (Good News Translation)

For the past week I have been thinking about my family and especially my daughter Marissa, who went home to be with the Lord about 8 years ago at 13 years of age. There’s not a day that passes where I don’t think about her, and her impact upon us, and how much I miss her and equally, how much I look forward to seeing her again.

Since this is the week of Easter and the time of the year that we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, I was inspired to produce this slideshow video about her life.

She was quite a gift to us here, and I am thankful that her hearing a call from God to want to minister to children in Africa was not lost on Leslie, Gabriel and me, nor on many of you who either prayed for, contributed to or have supported Marissa’s House Projects. You’ll notice pictures of the children included in the video as well.

Finally, I pray for those who are grieving the lost a child, sibling, family member or pet; I pray that you receive the comfort that God desires to bring to your daily hurt and pain.

In the midst of my pain, this weekend is a powerful and inspiring reminder that because of Jesus and because of the Resurrection, as noted in the scripture above (which is listed on the cover of Marissa’s Journal) we will one day be reunited!

Until then, I pray that you’ll allow God to convert your pain into passion and purpose; thank you Marissa for helping us with this valuable life lesson and thank you Jesus for your love and making the reunion a possibility!

To get to the video (posted on YouTube) click the image below:

Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 12.15.31 PM

Below I have listed links to the songs that I used in this project (my first and I know it shows!).

  1.  I’ll See You Again by Westlife
  2.  See You In Heaven by Hans Christian Jochimsen
  3.  Crown Him (Majesty) by Chris Tomlin (with Kari Jobe)
  4.  Heaven’s Song by Gateway Worship, led by Walker Beach
  5.  When Tomorrow Starts Without Me 
  6.  Breath Of Heaven by Amy Grant
  7.  To My Mom – “Save A Place For Me” by Matthew West
  8.  Your Presence Is Heaven To Me (over 1 hour of Piano Instrumental Music)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” – Psalm 56:3 (TNIV)

“Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” – Psalm 119:105 (TNIV)

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” – Philippians 2:13 (TNIV)

TeleHealth/Video counseling sessions are available for those who prefer to meet online – Dr. McGill

Businesswoman presses button psychological counseling online on virtual screens. technology, internet and networking concept.

 

 

 

Join the conversation! 3 Comments

  1. Walter Kahler

    I’m grateful to bear witness to your unshakable trust in God’s plan. Christ has crossed our paths so I could see your faith in God. Thanks for sharing about your daughter Merissa and the impact Christ made on her life. Your truth is centered in the Holy Spirit and we know God’s gift of salvation placed her in heaven. May Christ continue to shine brighter in your and family’s lives. God bless you my friend and thanks for letting me know about your daughter. Love you brother.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. Seraiah

    Ken, remembering Marissa was totally awesome!!! I loved seeing her at 12-13 years old. Didn’t get that many pictures back then, so this is awesome. I shared here at the work force place with the agents I know here and they were inspired, especially with the Marissa houses in Africa. When my career kicks off again, I will be able to help financially. What the folks liked here was seeing the growth of Gabriel!!!! how much taller he is than Leslie!! Oh she looks so great, please give her my love.
    Much love,
    Seraiah

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

About Dr Ken McGill

Dr. Ken McGill is an ordained minister and has been involved in counseling for more than 25 years. Dr. McGill holds a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University), a Certificate of Completion in the Alcohol and Drug Studies/Counseling Program from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. Dr. McGill received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family Psychology from Azusa Pacific University in May, 2003. Dr. McGill's dissertation focused on the development of an integrated treatment program for the sexually addicted homeless population, and Ken was "personally mentored" by dissertation committee member Dr. Patrick Carnes, a pioneer in the field of sex addiction work. Dr. McGill authored a chapter in the text The Clinical Management of Sex Addiction, with his chapter addressing the homeless and sex addiction. Dr. McGill is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the States of Texas and California and Mississippi, and is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, through the International Institute for Trauma and Addictive Professionals (IITAP). Dr. McGill had a private practice in Glendora, CA (Aspen Counseling Center), Inglewood, CA (Faithful Central Bible Church), and Hattiesburg, MS (River of Life Church), specializing in the following areas with individuals, couples, families, groups and psychoeducational training: addictions and recovery, pre-marital, marital and family counseling, issues related to traumatization and abuse, as well as depression, grief, loss, anger management and men's and women's issues. Dr. McGill also provided psychotherapeutic treatment with Student-Athletes on the University of Southern Mississippi Football and Men's Basketball teams. Dr. McGill served as the Director of the Gentle Path Program, which is a seven-week residential program, for people who are challenged with sexual addiction, sexual anorexia, and relationship issues. Dr. McGill also supervised Doctoral students in the Southern Mississippi Psychology Internship Consortium with the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. McGill was inducted into the Azusa Pacific University Academic Hall of Honor, School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences, in October, 2010. Dr. McGill currently works as a Private practice clinician with an office in Plano, Texas, providing treatment with people who are challenged in the areas mentioned above.

Latest Posts By Dr Ken McGill

Category

Uncategorized