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Video Tribute to Jonnae
Dear Friends,
As you may know, this past Sunday I had the privilege of joining Transformation Champion Denise Taylor for an inspiring celebration of her daughter Jonnae's life, at the Grand Theatre in New Albany, Indiana. Hundreds of the most caring and kind folks I've ever met were there to pay tribute to this beautiful young woman; to celebrate her life and thank her for all that she has given to others throughout her 15-years here.
What is so crystal clear to me is that Jonnae has touched and enriched a lot of lives... I mean A LOT of lives. The outpouring of emotion and gratitude that day took my breath away. When I looked in her eyes last Sunday and thanked her for all she has given me, all I could think is that I am actually looking at an Angel, who for a while, agreed to show up in a human body to teach some very important lessons to the rest of us. Her mission here has been accomplished, and then some. Although her time here is nearing an end, her message will live on in the hearts of so many people, myself included, and hopefully you as well.
As a part of the celebration, Denise envisioned sharing some of her precious family photos and home movies. Fortunately, we were able to help make Denise's vision come to life by producing an 11-minute video tribute to Jonnae. Special thanks to our TTV Executive Producer Terry, who has really given her heart to this effort. When the 'Jonnae Movie' was played in the theatre that afternoon, the entire audience smiled together, laughed together, and cried together... right along with the Star of the show who was sitting in the front row. It was the experience of a lifetime. One I will never forget.
Unfortunately, not everyone who wanted to attend Jonnae's Celebration of Life was able to be there. And so I've been receiving a lot of emails this week from members of the Transformation Community who asked if they could watch the tribute video. I let Denise know we could broadcast it here on TTV and that the decision to do so was entirely up to her and Jonnae. Denise shared today that they would like that. And I am not surprised... all along, this courageous and selfless Mother and Daughter have opened their hearts and their lives to others, hoping that by sharing their experience, we might all take a look at our priorities, our values, our faith, and our lives.
It's my honor to now share that video with you. You can view it by clicking the picture of Jonnae which follows this letter. As you watch the tribute, if you can please continue to send your love and prayers to the Taylor family I know it will be greatly appreciated. After viewing the video, if the Spirit moves you, please feel free to share a comment, perhaps including something Jonnae has helped you learn which will live on in your heart and soul.
Please also remember that you can read Denise's daily updates by visiting her profile on the site, and also by clicking here.
Sincerely,
Bill
PS At the celebration this past Sunday, Jonnae shared a note with all of us who attended. This is what she wrote...
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Ever since April 22, 2005, I’ve had Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia. At first it was difficult, but then I turned to God and listened to songs and scriptures. They gave me strength and I knew God had a plan for me. If I died or if I lived, I would be happy either way. I would like to remind you that, just like me, you could die at any moment. It’s important to count your blessings and LIVE for today. You have a family, you are sheltered, you have food to eat. You have more than many others do. And I know that God loves you. I hope you know that you can turn to God if you haven't already and He can help you with anything. My favorite scripture is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phillippians 4:13. A few of my favorite things to say are “F.R.O.G. Fully Rely on God” and, “When life gets tuff, toughen your faith." And also, "Faith activates God. Fear activates the enemy." I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. Don’t worry… be happy. ~Jonnae
Click on the Star to Play the Tribute Video
What a beautiful inspiring message from Jonnae!
May each of always keep in the forefront of our minds that life is a gift. Time precious and it's course courageous. Praying for you, Denise and John, for the loss of your beautiful little girl and amazing warrior. May God comfort you at this time and may you continue to walk forward by His side. Love, bon
Thank you for sharing that video and site of Jonnae and her mother. I lost my best friend to Leukemia when we were only 12 years old. We had been best friends since we were 2 years old....so she was like my sister. She lived next door to me and every weekend we'd trade places spending the night at the other's house. I can remember when she was ending her time here and she was at the hospital, her parents and my parents were trying to protect me from her dying. So every day they'd go to the hospital and leave me behind. But every day Dawn would ask them where I was and they'd have to go back and pick me up to bring me back to the hospital. I'm 46 years old now...and to this day, I remember the moment she died. I remember attending her funeral and everyone staring at me. I remember being at her parents house after the funeral for the gathering and hiding out in her room just wanting to be alone and near her. She was the best friend I'd ever had and I my daughter's middle name is Dawn...after my best little friend. Yes, very courageous little people they are as they face their illnesses Dawn and Jonnae are. maybe that's why I remember Dawn so much...she was such an inspiration with her strength and courage. Jonnae is a beautiful little girl and I can't imagine losing my little girl. My heart and prayers go out to Jonnae and her loved ones.
I finally got the courage to change my picture. A friend of mine reminded me of a story that I told her years ago. When I was five years old I had a cute little leaf green frog that I loved and kept as a pet. It lived on a rock in a glass jar. One day I accidetly dropped the jar and the glass shattered. I cried and cried because my little frog hopped away. My father suggested that I put the rock on the porch to see if the frog would come back. I did what my father told me to do and what do you know? That little frog hopped back on its home! Years later Jesus showed me that HE is the ROCK. He loves us like I loved that little frog. Sometimes we feel like our world shatters as did that glass jar, but our ROCK is always there for us calling us back to HIM. We can rest on HIM. HE indeed is our shelter. He is our ROCK and our salvation our very present help in times of trouble! Hail to the KING of KINGS! Glory and honor to HIM! Peace, grace, courage! Becky Southard
What an inspiration both Jonnae and Denise are. Thank you both for sharing your story and thank you Bill for sharing these 'angels' with us. I'm new and was wondering what was up with all the frogs. Now that I know I've changed my profile image. Jonnae displays one of God's greatest gifts, that of true peace. God's peace to you all.
What I have learned from the Taylor family is a lesson in what 'Amazing Grace' looks like. I've admired the families faith and strength to endure this situation that most would have been overcome with long ago. It's made me want to be a better person and to become deeper in my faith in word and deed. Thank you Taylor family. Love, Stephanie
Jonnae, You are an angel, You have inspired me and shown yourself to be a real trooper and special 15 year old. I am 54 and I pray one day I have the spirit and love for life you have. You are a remarkable little girl. We will always keep you close to our hearts and love you. Thank You Jonnae for showing what true faith means. Love, A BFLer and friend of your Mom's Linda (GET*HER*DONE)
I am totally speachless- I watched this beautiful tribute with my 8 year old daughter and all I can say is I hope to have as much grace and wisdom as both Jonnae and her mother! Thank you for sharing your story and Bless you and your family. Nancy
You have so touched my heart... Jonnae, Denise and Family...my love and prayers are with you all TODAY and ALWAYS, With Love and Gratitude, Diane xox
Thank you Bill & Taylor Family for sharing this video...Jonnae's wisdom, faith, strength & love are very inspiring to so many of us.... right at this very moment.... and will continue to do so....Heather
Thank you so much for posting this video. It's moving and inspiring all at once. Jonnae and Denise are angels. I can't stop thinking & praying for them. I'm so overwhelmed with emotion and having the opportunity to know their story has really opened my eyes in so many ways. God Bless! PS - I will never see a FROG the same again.
Thank you so much for sharing. May we all always remember to say "I get to" instead of "I have to". What a blessing. Terri
If this is not taking advesity and channeling it to positive energy I don't know what is. This is a testimony to what living is - not what dying is. I am humbled and deeply moved by the courage and generosity of this experience. Bless you Jonnae for your angelic years with us. Thank you Denise for your courage and the chocie to share a piece of you and life's most treasured moments. And thank you, Bill, for responding to this event. Love to all ~ LindaP
I will forever be thankful that I have been graced for being able to talk to two angels here on earth, Jonnae and Julie Whitt. Thank you ladies, you have greatly enriched my life. Troy
Jonnae you are a beautiful being and you will continue to be an inspiration in this life and in those to come. You and your family remind us all what love is and how much we should value each other, each day, and each moment. Much Much Love to you.
The tears fell from my eyes - what an amazing tribute to a whole family. Jonnae an Angel on Earth - you will transform thousands of lives, the ripples will be far reaching and create their own tidal wave of faith and strength. Thank You. Denise - your family is remarkable. Thank You for sharing them with us - Thank You - Thank You - Thank You X O X O X
Have to rate this as "Divine" . Practice loving yourself. This is "good". Practice loving yourself and one other. This is "great". Practice loving yourself, another, everyone else and all of creation. This is "divine". Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful tribute. Richard
One of the grandest and greatest blessings of my Transformation journey has been this little girl. How she strengthens and motivates and encourages by her amazing example. She will live on forever in her lessons, teachings and the way she has touched all of our lives. Peace to the Taylor Family. Shane
It is amazing how photos, film and music can stir such powerful emotions...The tribute was obviously created with great love. Jonnae you are an angel, a teacher, a philosopher, a daughter, a sister and so much more, but above all, you are a child of God. I think you have not only made your family and friends so very proud, but your Divine Father is bursting with pride too--I am sure of it. Gos Bless you always. Rena
Jonnae,you and your family are very special people.You are truly blessed.God bless you....Craig
Jonnae's note is just another example of how she continues to teach and be the Angelic Angel the past 3 years as she stood up and fought Leukemia like nobody's business. You are one incredible young lady Jonnae and oh what a great teacher you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you ~Stoney
Jonnae you have the greatest courage I have ever seen in a long time. Your faith definitely leaps mountains. God be with you always. lots of love.... Jerome
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