All the things shared today about the girls would only be words unless they held within them the promise of hope and eternal life. When the news of the accident was received, the family came together at Joe & Debbie’s. We began to look through pictures, scrapbooks, and sharing stories. One of the things found was a senior art project of Krista’s. It was an assignment to explain herself through words & pictures. There was a witness in our spirits about the truth she expressed in her school project. The first page reads as follows…

Krista’s Art Journal

Here is a book about me. I wish in words I could explain to you my true identity, but the definition of identity is, ” the condition of being one’s self.” The only way to achieve full understanding would be to be me. Maybe I can open up a little window, and let you peek inside. 

I was born and raised in the city. South Minneapolis and I loved it! Every warm memory in my heart traces back to a little place I like to call home. 3233 22nd Ave So. Mpls, MN 55407 (my old address.) This is the place where friends and family laid the foundation that formed me into the person I am today. At the age of 2, I knelt down next to my brother and with his help, made the most important and influential decision of my life. I asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart. Although at the time I didn’t fully understand the impact of my humble little prayer, it has proven to be the most fruitful act I have ever made. 

Like all kids my age, I have my share of talents, many interests, and hopes, and dreams. But before I share them with you, it is important you understand, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Take away all material possessions, all my talents, and earthly desires, and I will be the same because of the life I have in Christ! So now with that said, here’s a little about me…Krista Joy Mayer.

What does it mean, “To Live for Christ, to die is gain?”

If we take CHRIST out of the sentence and put anything else in its place, it makes no sense. MY ABILITIES, MY TALENTS, MY DREAMS, MY PLANS, MY MONEY… And then say… “death is gain”… the equation is off! Because all those things will cease!

I challenge each one of you to confront the blank in the Scripture. Nothing else will satisfy until CHRIST takes the place on the bookmark of our hearts. It is then we will have a peace and joy that this life cannot give, and death will never be able to take away. Soon – we will all come to the end of life’s journey. What we place in that blank matters for eternity. It may determine if you will ever see your loved ones again, or worse, the face of Jesus.

Here is the song Krista and Debbie sang at Krista’s Baccalaureate service when she graduated from St. Anthony High School, which addresses that very thought.