Morgan Johnson, 17-year-old Victim of Suicide Remembered With Love

Since Tuesday when the news of 17-year-old Morgan Johnson's suicide first scrolled across Facebook, I feel as if I carried a ton of bricks.  Almost unable to move with the sadness of this young woman's death.  I didn't know Morgan but my husband taught at her school.  I've wanted so much to do something for this GEM of a young lady, for ALL young ladies ARE GEMS.  Rare and highly valued, as all persons are, I'm reminded that in a dark world such as ours, we need to hear the good news of our "gem-ness." At times we all fear that we aren't worth much.

Community gathered at the L&N Depot, Etowah, Tennessee

I gathered with some spiritual people last night (Thursday) and we spoke of Morgan.  We spoke of our responsibility to love each other, to bear one another's burdens, to do it without expectation of anything in return.  We felt downcast for we were thinking that we are terrible failures at loving this way.  We spoke of the most loving person who ever lived and how our favorite book about him tells us he gave up heaven for us.  HE GAVE UP HEAVEN FOR US.  Because, for him, us knowing him, us knowing his father, WAS what he lived and died and rose again to realize!  His love for us never fails!  He will fill us to over- flowing with love for each other.  We need only look to him!


On Morgan's Facebook page, she says she knows this One Who Loves her most.  Someone had to tell her that.  Someone shared that good news of a hero!  I went to a candlelight vigil for Morgan to represent the One Who Loves. He has a plan in all this.  He works all things together for good for those who know him.  You and I are invited to know Him!

I've wanted so much to do something for this GEM of a young lady, for ALL young ladies ARE GEMS.

Haley Martin, friend of Morgan's and coordinator of the candle light vigil met with me after the event.  I was grateful for her willingness to do something in honor of Morgan.   


We need only look on the One Who Loves to be filled with love...  Let us rest, gazing upon him!  He will be our strength.  He will never leave us nor forsake us, not even in death!  

Share Your "Miracle" Story!

Tis the Season of Miracles! 


If you have a "miracle story" we want to hear it!  And share it, to encourage others!
Email or call the office: KatieSmithRadioCommunityConnection@Gmail.com or call 423-746-2655 and leave a message! 
Thanks so much and Happy Holidays!

Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

Senator Mike Bell on Katie's Community Connection!

Tune in today, November 4th for the year-in-review of Tennessee State Legislature...  What passed, what didn't; as well as what's coming up for the voters of Tennessee!

In this exclusive one-on-one with Senator Bell, we're engaged with the story of how Mike's wife of more than 20 years has been the "great woman" behind this "great man"!

I asked Senator Bell, (who insisted I call him "Mike") what we, the voters could or should be doing between now and the elections upcoming.  To my delight, the answer was PRAY!  Pray for our country, our state, pray for him, pray for ourselves, pray for our families, and pray for our military.  Both of the Senator's sons are serving in active duty right now and with honor!  Be sure to pray for them, too!

Senator Bell, will get my vote and my prayers!

Today at 3PM on WYXI Radio Athens, Tennessee!

Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

God is DRIVEN Toward US: Day 3; The Purpose Driven Life

Yeah, I was driven tonight!  The five things we're not supposed to be driven by...I think I had them all.
Here's a snap shot, my latest FB post:

I didn't say a word. But I silently, rapidly flew around the house to get the kids ready for bed...Then I stayed in a bad mood until I read a bit on FB (that picks me up)...Now I'm noticing that despite being exhausted, my husband has been reading to our children for quite a while. And I remember when he didn't used to do that. And how glad I am that I didn't yell or give up before this moment.


Rick Warren (RW) had so many great things to say about negatives and positives that are driving forces in our lives.  It made me think that if I could just balance or get more "goods" on the scale than "bads", that all would be well.  Then my husband, who  is my favorite theologian, said something like this:


"God is driven for us.  He is weaving together all these things and he's saying, "get in the front row and let me teach you!"


I need to be taught.  I need a teacher who will get in my face and say, "NOW, DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION??  GOOD!"

And then go on to say,  "I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU,  I LOVE YOU!  You cannot outrun my love.  You can have your way about it, but I will still be here to love you!" 


I know that's how God loves us.  Lord forgive me for all the stuff, all the bad moods and false loves that I let get in between responding to your love and loving your creation.


Rest in his love for you.  God is Driven for you!