Hope Warrior

On December 5th, I witnessed the most magnificent pink sunset. It is amazing how our Sovereign God provides comfort right when we need it. This is Alissa again, Nicole’s sister. Nicole’s breath had been shallow all day, I knew her time was coming to meet our Father face to face. I was cooking dinner and God told me, go outside. Take a picture. Heaven is opening. 30 minutes later, He told me to look up and take another photo. The sky was beautiful.  I mean, we have amazing sunsets at our cabin; but I have never witnessed the sky the way I saw it on December 5th at a little past 5pm. When I captured the last photo, our Lord told me “she’s’ home”. My heart sank. The reality hit. It hurt. But I rejoiced as He welcomed her with open arms.

I knew she danced in with arms raised to the Lord on His throne, wearing those pink sunglasses. She was healed. She had been waiting and she was ready. When Nicole started this journey, I knew she would fight. I knew she would find comfort in our Father. I knew her relationship would grow more than it ever had before. She knew God was leading her in a storm, holding her hand with a purpose. She was not afraid.

This past March after another tumor was found, I texted her Romans 16:20, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. ” She sent me the message back, “He will finish what He has already started. ” She knew the outcome of this journey may be different than complete healing here on earth.  She never complained. She never let  Satan deter her from what God’s purpose was for her. She fought each day with a “No not today, Satan” attitude.

Because as believers we are identified in Christ, we have crushed all the wicked strategies, schemes, and temptations. Nothing can prevail against the Lord and His anointed.  For it says in 1 John 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.“ 

Christ’s death and glorious resurrection was a pivotal point in history when all who believe in God’s only Son became overcomers. All who believed in Him would become His children and be covered in our Father’s righteousness. Faith is the key token to being an overcomer. It is by faith we are saved. We do not have to do anything to overcome. Christ did it already on the cross for us! As believers, we are sojourners in the world. We are ambassadors to heaven. We are passing through a world full of sin en route to our eternal home.

This is the reason I rejoice because Nicole is a child of God and she has overcome the enemy of her soul through her faith in Jesus. Greater is the Holy Spirit that dwells in us and empowers us with His grace and sufficient strength. Our Father has defeated the enemy of our soul, who is in the world. The sin filled world that the enemy feasts off of wants so much of us ALL the TIME. He is knocking at our door with all different tactics. I can’t say, I would have responded the way Nicole did.

Nicole’s celebration of life was such a reflection time for me. I am sure it was for some of you too. I’ve thought a lot about God’s purpose and plan for me. Am I listening? I mean, am I? or am I content? Maybe my ears are half-open? Am I praying, “Lord, send me? Sign me up, I am ready”!!?? Nicole knew her purpose. She never let anything get in the way. She had plenty of chances to deter God’s mission and take a different route. When others thought she should focus on resting. She put on her running shoes. When people mentioned her not teaching, she invested more time in the kids. Her mission was clear whether anyone else saw it. She did. She never walked. She never stumbled. She finished the race strong right to our eternal home.

Nicole’s obituary provided by the funeral home also was very uplifting. You can review it at https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/memorialpage.asp?id=57540&locid=56.

If you have not watched Nicole’s celebration, I encourage you to watch it. You are in for a treat! There were about 1,400 who watched the live stream and about 500 in person at the church. The slide show video below contains some of the videos and pictures of Nicole’s life and were shown at the funeral and the reviewal. The funeral video is a recording of the funeral celebration. If you missed either, these are both worth watching.

Here is the funeral video link: https://youtu.be/sYmi3for4OU

Here is the slide show video link: https://youtu.be/znOpYJ87v1o

Recently, Representative French Hill of Arkansas provided a tribute to our Hope Warrior on the House Of Representatives floor. You can watch this tribute at this link: https://youtu.be/YUaVWPMsay0

It was a very uplifting message. It brought me to tears as words were said from Scott, Garrett, Abbey, and Ashton. She was a remarkable lady. My sister. Terribly missed. Finally home. Forever healed. 

A few remarkable things happened these last few weeks. Nicole has been surrounded by such amazing friends and students. To see the Lord’s hands around her was pure joy and such comfort to her. On December 3rd, many adults and kids came to pray over Nicole. There were about 70 people all outside. Praying. What a beautiful picture. For it says in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. ”  Our father surrounded Nicole with His holy presence. What an act of worshiping our Lord and King, giving Him all the glory. Wow. The kids sang songs to her. What a treat for her as the students were serving her when she needed it. The kids she loved and adored. She found so much Joy in the sound of their sweet voices praising the Lord Almighty.

The reviewal was on December 9th. It was astounding to see what Nikki, Tammy, Scott’s mom, and my mother accomplished to get everything ready for her visitation. It was such a tribute with all the photos, videos, journals, and letters. There were so many people (over 2,000) all coming to support the family and people she impacted. It was remarkable.

Again, Thank you for reading Nicole’s blog. I so wish it was her writing and not me these past months. You have helped her along this journey home. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Thank you to Nikki and Tami. Not sure how in the world she would have done anything without the both of you. You all have been welcoming to our family. And always full of smiles and laughter. I can see why she loves you all so much!

To Scott and Nicole’s first Bible Study group, you are truly a blessing. You have been through all the stages of life with them. Oh how Nicole cherished your friendships. She talked about it often. Thank you for loving her and Scott so much. Thank you for strengthening their relationship with Christ.

Prayer Requests: (These were the prayer requests Scott and the kids shared at the visitation).
Scott: Just finding my way forward. How do I spend my time, how do I fit in with all my married friends? And that I find the strength and intention to be the father my kids need.

Garrett: Pray for peace and that people will continue to be pointed to Christ through my mom.

Abbey and Ashton: Just getting back into the normal, learning how to be without her, and for peace. 

Oh come, oh come Emmanuel. And ransom captive Israel. That mourns in lonely exile here. Until the Son of God appear, Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel! Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Can you envision all people in awe with excitement, that the Son of God has arrived? They have waited and waited. In fact, it took around 700 years for Isaiah’s prophecy of Christ to be fulfilled after he foretold of Immanuel’s birth. This time of the year is so wonderful. The lights. The laughter. Family time.

This is Alissa again, Nicole’s sister. Every other year my family gets together to celebrate Christmas in Minnesota. It is pretty special. My mother works so hard for 2 years, to prepare for our “WinterKamp.” She has a new theme each year, ornaments for the theme, handmade items for everyone (relating to the theme), and events. Nicole has always loved coming up to Minnesota for Christmas. She loves the snow; and loves having her kids experience it, cousin time, and seeing where she grew up. She would always spend weeks preparing–getting gloves, hats, coats, and making sure she had everything to embrace the North Pole. Ha!

2020 would have been our next annual WinterKamp. We have chosen to postpone most of the event, given Nicole’s condition and the situation we are facing. It saddens me because “WinterKamp” has had so many great memories; and my mother began it when Nicole started having children. Nicole has always given ornaments to each of my kids every year, when we have celebrated Christmas together.

This year I decided to make ornaments for our family and friends in the shape of sunglasses to honor her. She is an inspiration to me and so many others. I will love taking out this ornament each year and remembering her. Her Faith. Her Love. Her Leadership. Her courage. Her strength.  It brought many tears this past week as I set up my tree and saw ornaments back from 2005.

Thanks to Jeff Julian at Julian.Works for helping with the ornament cutouts.

Nicole received the best gift of all and her mission was to share it with everyone. We can all have it. It’s free. We just need to accept it, acknowledge it and receive it.

For it says in Romans 3:10 ” There is no one righteous, not even one.” All people are born with sin and we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We cannot get right with God, apart from the gift of righteousness. It says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus our Lord.” Paul compares two types of lives here. We can have eternal separation from God. A life where we are slaves to sin and have eternal death. No matter how good we think we may be or how hard we work, it will never be good enough as eternal life isn’t earned through our good works.

However, there is another way Paul says we can become servants to righteousness by trusting Christ. He describes eternal life as a free gift in Christ Jesus. When we trust in Christ, God gives us the credit for Christ’s perfect, sinless life; and accepts Christ’s death as payment for our sin. He died for you. He died for me. He suffered on a cross for us. We can have eternal life with Him, sharing in His glory given to us as a gift. What life is it you want? I know if you are reading this, you know Nicole’s faith. Nicole would want you to accept this free gift as she has been praying for each one of you. She will be waiting there for you and would love to see you again. We must ask for forgiveness and understand we are a sinner before we can accept this gift.

If you’ve never trusted in Jesus, understand your need for a savior and are ready to move forward to accept this gift, Jesus is it! Paul says in Romans 9:10 ” If you declare with you mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” God knows our heart. God hears every word spoken. It never has to be perfect.  For it says in Romans 8:13 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Here is a simple prayer for you to say if you want to accept this gift that God has given us through His son Jesus Christ: “Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and I deserve Hell and eternity away from you. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me and I ask for your forgiveness from my sins. Thank you for giving me the gift of eternal life. I want to turn and live a new life for you. I receive Jesus into my heart as my personal Savior. Please save me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen”

If you said that prayer, I’d love to pray with you. I’d love to talk with you. Please click on this link.

Now we can be assured that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can enjoy peace with God, no longer separated from our holy God by sin. Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” We can now rejoice in the result of our salvation. Before faith in Christ we were all destined for death. But now we can have eternity in Heaven. I am delighting in the fact Nicole will be seeing those pearly gates and golden streets soon. Our Father will be welcoming her with open arms. I selfishly want her here, but ultimately our home isn’t here. It never was meant to be here. God has given us this life for His purposes and his design. I am grateful for her and grateful my Father loves me so much He gave me Her. I didn’t deserve her. He Hand picked her out. For me. She is something, so special.

Nicole has had some remarkable things happening this past week. Her friend Paige Shepard came over to reorganize the food pantry. Wow! She did an amazing job. I need her to come over and do that for me too! So sweet to see people using the talents God has given us to serve others. I love that!

My cousin Tiffany and her family came to see Nicole. Nicole surprisingly was up most of the day and was able to see her. Oh, how I know Nicole enjoyed seeing Tiff and the kids. We had special memories together as kids with Tiff and her siblings. My family would go Nebraska every summer and spend a week there with her family and my grandparents. Those were special memories.

Nicole also had a great quaint Thanksgiving while I’ve loved spending time with my nieces lately. We have a standing appointment each week doing a Bible Study together and I get to talk with them. Abbey and Ashton’s prayer request was that they would get quality family time and time with their mom during Thanksgiving.  God answered their prayer. The family was together, and it was intimate. I am thankful that they all were able to be there laugh and lean on one another.

Well, on Monday Nicole was moved to Hospice at home. I know it was a difficult decision for Scott to make. Bless his heart. No matter how much you can prepare yourself for the road that was destined, you can’t. The hospice service arrived Monday and it was quite an education for everyone. They were sweet, loving, and gave them confidence in how to help Nicole during this next short phase. I know Nicole has appreciated your support reading her blog, your encouragement, notes, and love. You have helped keep her fighting. Our Lord has been right by her side. Holding her hand. Leading her ultimate destination and to be united with our Creator.

Prayer Requests:

Comfort for Nicole. Pain Free. Sweet moments with her family.

Strength for Scott and the kids. For them to feel our heavenly father and for comfort.

Praises: God has given us so many people that have encouraged the family. We thank you. Each note, message, phone call and visit. We thank you and know God designed and was there for each interaction with Nicole. God has been so good and has given us so many years with Nicole. We are blessed.

 ***Nicole’s Friend, Nikki has set up a picture frame with rolling photos. Please e-mail pictures to: nicoleinman@ourskylight.com if you’d like to share some photos for the family to see in their home.

Another blog posting by Nicole’s sister Alissa. Is the door open or closed? Are you going in or out? That is a repetitive question in our household. My children coming and going. It’s late. The house is completely quiet. I am sitting at our kitchen table, staring at the front door. I am silently thanking God for all the blessings and memories we have had in this house.

We leave tomorrow and are moving, 4 hours south of Dallas to the Texas Hill Country. Lots of memories in this house. 3 of our 6 kids have been born here. There have been thanksgivings, Christmas’s, Easters, New Year’s. But the thing that saddens me most, is moving farther away from my sister Nicole. When we moved to Dallas 5 years ago, she was ecstatic! So was I! Finally instead of talking on the phone all the time, we could see each other! We have had so many memories in this house together. Thanksgiving, Christmas celebrations, New Year’s, and just weekends.

I know she will not be coming through that front door again. There will be no more of her sweet smile entering and late-night Hallmark movies (with popcorn and M & M’s ) Ha! . One of Nicole and my latest conversations have been about our new home. I told her she would love it. I wanted her to go. I told her to hang on. Stay Strong. I wanted her to embrace the country breeze, sit on the swing, and to hear The Lord’s whisper in the trees, at our farmhouse. Those were some of the last words I spoke recently. I think we both knew it might not happen. We cried.  We hugged. I said goodbye. I still see her standing on the other side of the glass door as I drove away. I will never forget the picture of her standing there.

It says, In Psalms 31: 7 ” I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul. ” When things are difficult, some doors close that we wish were open and vise versa. God still cares. He loves us. He cares about our sadness and hardships and He cares about our suffering.

Even when things are hopeless. We can still find Hope in our Heavenly Father. He does not promise to fix or heal anyone. We will experience pain, suffering, and sorrow. We live in a sin-filled world. But what our Lord does promise is one day everyone who has a relationship with Him will spend eternity with Him. All the pain and suffering will be gone forever. But it still doesn’t mean God doesn’t hurt when we are in pain. He does. He hurts. We are His greatest creation. He sent His one and only son for us. For us! He loves us more than we can understand. He loves us more than any person ever could. So we can always find comfort in Him and His unfailing love.

Our Father’s Love is greatly represented in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It says, “Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ”

This passage is often read during wedding ceremonies. But in all reality, no human love is great than God’s love for us. People will fail us, BUT God will never fail us. This passage is perfect in showing God’s love for us. He protects. He is patient. He points us in His direction. We will never fully comprehend just how much God loves us. And sometimes in grief or sorrow, it’s hard to see His love. But there is a purpose. He is purposeful. He desires us to have faith in Him, to trust Him, and to believe regardless of any door He opens or any He closes for us. He loves us. 

Nicole has had a busy few weeks! My family took a drive to see Nicole and her family a couple of weeks ago. It was so awesome! My kids were so excited to see everyone! My second son Rylan was skipping the whole way in the house. He couldn’t get in the door fast enough because he kept saying, ” I can’t wait to see my favorite aunt.” It made Nicole smile as she heard him saying that to her. I still hear her sweet voice saying, “Mmm.” holding out her hand to Rylan, and smiling on the inside. Of course, Nicole loves seeing my twins. Twins are something so special we get to share together. My girls were singing to her and she was stroking their heads. One of my twins fell asleep and I put her in Nicole’s arms. Nicole held her little hand. It was sweet and I know it brought her joy. 

One of the things I know Nicole enjoyed, was the recent prayer car drive at her church. Cars lined up and people held out posters filled with meaningful scripture.  I loved seeing people of all ages coming to give Nicole comfort and strength. What a great reminder of different passages of who God is! They were reading to her, people were able to say something to her. It made Nicole so happy. She had many smiles. It was such a unique Idea!

What a wonderful way to show why God desires us to have community among believers. As we gather together, encourage each other, lean on one another, and to pray for each other. So it was so amazing to see God’s people doing just what the Inman’s need. She leans on scripture and the truth of what our Father Says.  I truly feel she loves that others are finding comfort and hope in our Savior too! 

Nicole’s sweet twin Girls have decided to sign with Ouachita Baptist University (OBU). There were two signing ceremonies to celebrate this occasion. How awesome! My family is a HUGE soccer family. We love the game and of course, I played because Nicole did. Nicole is so proud of these girls. She has loved watching every minute of them playing soccer. She encouraged them, cheered them on, and pointed them in the right direction. We had so many conversations about, will they go to school together, should they play Div. 1 or Div. 2, (Pros/Cons), but she never wanted them to go far from home.

Well, Nicole. You did it. Your girls are going to a smaller university. Rooming together. And staying close to home. It’s all what you wanted. Not only that, they will say all of it is because of you. 

The “Hope Warrior Holiday Event” happened this past weekend. This was put on by a few friends of Nicole’s and the family. There were so many neat and unique shops. I wish I could have attended. Nicole was unable to make it. Her kids enjoyed seeing people from all over town supporting their Mom. That was a special moment for them. There were old friends and new ones, they all came. It has been just mind-blowing the amount of love and support from the community. God is so good. He just keeps showing up every day and so often unexpectedly. 

Prayer Requests: Prayer for Nicole’s remaining appointments. Nicole is declining. Pray for comfort, for her and the whole family. They have a few treatments left, so prayer for those. Pray as Scott still has to get her in the car and take her to these appointments. It is becoming more challenging to transport her. 

Pray for strength, comfort, and one amazing Thanksgiving celebration for The Inman Family. I pray it is memorable and full of laughter. 

Prayer for my Parents, Roger and Mary as they are in Little Rock seeing and taking care of Nicole. 

Praises: There are no more appointments in St. Louis! Yay! It was such a struggle for everyone involved. And for Nicole.  Praise For all the support within the Church and the community. Thank you for the prayers, cards, texts, and messages. God is providing in every way imaginable. We just thank you. Each and every day I am in Awe of what God is doing. He is loving and so faithful. Thank you for loving on the Inman’s in ways only God can do. He knows all the needs. He knows–and He is providing them. Because after all, He loves us. 

I’m looking out my window as the swans fly by. The trees are bare, snow is on the ground. To me, it’s winter. This is Alissa again, Nicole’s sister. This year has been hard. In so many ways. But when I look out the window, I smile.  I see my brothers running around and Nicole and I dancing in the sun.

See, when Nicole was little our family had a cabin, up in Brainard MN. Our brothers were shooting BB guns, climbing trees, fishing, and chasing us. Those were the good old days. The ones I remember and I see in the clouds.

My family now has a small cabin up in northern Minnesota. We recently build it and have spent a year up there. It has been a remarkable thing. Isolated. Small. But yet, when I see my kids outside smiling, It reminds me of my childhood and it brings me joy. They love it and never want to return back home. Ha! It’s different living up here, then being on vacation. I have had the opportunity to see God’s beauty and take it in. I mean really take it in. I’ve seen our Lord in a different way. He is detailed, purposeful, full of love in every way. He is everywhere. I see the beauty in the squirrels gathering nuts, the bald eagles soaring, the mice pouncing on the grass, the crickets chirping,  the CLEAR starry sky, and watching the baby turtles hatch.

But yet with all the beauty, there is Cancer. Sickness. Tragedy. They all hurt. They are hard. It’s painful. It hurts to go through something personally and hard to watch someone you love go through it. It says, in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I know our Father is using Nicole. She is strong. She is courageous. And even in her condition, she is bringing people to Christ. One person at a time. Each and every day.  I see it.  People are hearing her story. God is molding people and refining them as they see Nicole as people are kneeling and asking why. People are turning to our Savior and drawing into Him, for comfort and healing. He is full of love. Nicole would not want it any other way than to be the tool to bring more people to Christ and help them draw near to our Savior.

Some of my brothers and I had the opportunity to see two Queens this past weekend. Queen Nicole and her daughter Queen Ashton. It was one of the sweetest moments for Ashton and Nicole. Ashton was Homecoming Queen. Ashton then gave a crown to Nicole too. And Scott held her hand while they snapped a picture. How sweet! What a remarkable accomplishment for Ashton. She was stunning in her dress and it was a memorable moment for her. It was so great to have part of our family there to witness a wonderful moment for her. One of my favorite parts was Nicole sharing a moment with Ashton as they held each other’s hands. There is something special about the relationship between a mother and daughter. I am thankful Nicole could be there and enjoy it. Nicole adores both of her twin girls so much!  It has been so neat seeing God bless the Inmans and use Nicole’s story even in her condition. The Bryant Football team honored her with grey ribbons on the back of their helmet to honor Nicole and for cancer awareness. 

It was so good to have my brothers, Nicole, and I together. I don’t know the last time the siblings just spent time together. When someone is sick or tragedy hits a family, usually they come together and there is more closeness than before. It was a special time for everyone and the presence of Our Heavenly Father, was there. He was felt. Nicole really loved seeing her brothers. They had many laughs. Hugs. Tears. And hands were laid on her. I loved how Nicole was so expressive by the funny things they would say to her. Her eyes would get big and she would look at me. We were both laughing on the inside, saying “our brothers are crazy boys. Ha!” I love my family. Nicole and I always talked about how unique our family is. We enjoy each other, there is no drama or fighting. But we all love being around each other. That is pretty special these days.

In the past couple of weeks, Nicole has received meals, flowers, visits, cards, and hugs from so many people. What a testimony you all have been by sharing your love with my sister Nicole and her family. This has been such a blessing in spite of the situation. All of these acts remind them of the depth of God’s love for them and for me.

Prayer Requests: Prayer for another trip on Tuesday to St. Louis. Pray for safe travels. Pray for ease of travel for Scott and his Mom, Ann, as I know it’s hard to travel with Nicole. Pray for a great appointment.  Also please pray for her arm. It is really hurting her. Pray that they are able to find out how to give her some relief.

Thank you for all the prayers, the meals, and the generosity in so many ways. God is so good. It is so evident His Hand is in this and our Father is showering the Inmans with love. Thank you to each and every person who has contributed in some way.