Celebrating Tessa!
IOLA – One at a time, a community dressed in pink filled the Iola High School gym to celebrate the life of 13-year-old Contessa “Tessa” Clae Shive, Wednesday, Sept. 28. Tessa gained her wings Wednesday, Sept. 21, returning home from church. Since the accident, everyone questioned how the family has been able to handle the situation, maintain a smile and continue to praise the Lord in the midst of a storm that would subdue most.
Cross Baptist Church Pastor, Munroe Rice, used 2 Chronicles, chapter 20, in the Bible to answer the question during Tessa’s celebration. King Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, is recounted as having three armies surrounding his kingdom. The Shive family, just like King Jehoshaphat, found themselves in the midst of trouble they couldn’t escape. During that moment they turned to God. They knew they couldn’t fight the battle alone, so they turned to The One who owns the battle.
“ When all I see is the battle, You see my victory,”
words included in Battle Belongs, a popular song by Phil Wickham. The song continues, “ When all I see is a mountain, You see a mountain moved. And as I walk through the shadow, Your love surrounds me. There is nothing to fear now for I am safe with You.”
In the moment of a huge battle, the Shive family chose to fight on their knees, depicted perfectly in the chorus of the song, “ So when I fight I’ll fight on my knees, with my hands lifted high. O God the battle belongs to You, and every fear I lay at Your feet. I’ll sing through the night, O God the battle belongs to You.” Because King Jehoshaphat and his kingdom worshiped during the midst of the battle they were able to be victorious just as the Shive family will be victorious. Tessa branded the hearts of many. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” That is a verse she lived by. At church camp, in 2020, Tessa gave her life to Christ and was baptized Oct. 31, 2021.
She loved sports of all types from rodeo to softball, but her first love was softball. Pastor Munroe spoke about Tessa’s special bond with her Grimes County Little League team that she played with this spring and summer. “That team in Navasota was great, because as often as they played they prayed,” he said. They prayed before practices and games and it turned into an opportunity that was way bigger than just a game, way bigger than just winning and losing. She learned some valuable lessons being a part of that team and making those friends.” Tessa was a quiet leader who led by example. She refused to back down no matter how big the challenge. Those lucky enough to know her will never forget her quiet strength.
Remember the Shive family, Tessa’s friends and community in your prayers. The Tessa Shive Memorial Scholarship fund has been set up to honor her life. Donations may be made at Citizen’s State Bank in Navasota. Find out more at www.firsttouchfamily.org.