The Gift of Joanne

A few years ago, God gave me the perfect gift. Her name was Joanne and she was techy. I met Joanne at the She Speaks Conference and she volunteered to help me with computer stuff, etc. Joanne helped me with my website, this blog, my computer glitches, programming my phone and most importantly, my walk with Jesus.
Her faith in God helped me keep the right perspective. She talked me through my first book, Perplexing Proverbs, when I had writer's block. Joanne listened to me moan and groan over edits, book covers and etcetera with each of the following books. She rejoiced with me when I became an absurdly giddy grandma with Emily Susanne, Brianna Meg, and Michael Eugene. She understood that it was more important to be the sappiest grandma than a bestselling author. Joanne created my website and my blog for no charge other than my friendship. She did this for several other Christian speakers. She said, “It is my ministry.”

A little over two years ago, Joanne developed lung cancer. (She had never smoked a day in her life.) She battled bravely. She fought to keep her business and her ministry going. My last conversation with sweet Joanne was about two weeks ago. She said, “I am so concerned for my clients. I need to help them get set up with someone new. I don’t want to let them down.” That was the heart of Joanne Sampl.

On August 20th, Joanne stepped onto the dance floor of heaven. She's dancing with the love of her life, the Lord Jesus.

Joanne Sampl 11.28.61 - 08.20.09

I will miss my spunky and feisty, sweet and smart, godly and precious, Joanne.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:21b (NIV)