Tribute to Joshua Copenhaver
Some of you may not know the name Josh Copenhaver, but I hope you will take the time to read this anyway.
I first met Josh at the National Quartet Convention eight or so years ago. At that time, he was singing with his mom and brother in a group they simply called The Copenhavers. Since their booth was directly across from ours, we had the opportunity to get to know them a bit. They were so warm and friendly that we quickly began to call them our friends.
The following year, we went back to the National Quartet Convention and were pleased that they remembered us. I attended their showcase that week and watched them perform an old song, “I’ll Be There.” I loved the way they sang it, and it is still my favorite song they ever recorded.
This past Saturday afternoon, I found out that Josh had a heart attack and went to be with Jesus. My initial reaction was shock, followed by extreme sadness. I’ve not interacted with Josh much in the last couple years but I still remember a young man full of life and joy. He married a couple years ago, and I was so happy for him. I can’t imagine anyone not loving Josh, and I know his death has caused a void in a lot of hearts.
Although I am grieving, it is not as one who has no hope. You see, even if you do not know the name Josh Copenhaver, the Eternal God knows his name and, for a reason that I don’t understand, God chose Saturday to call this young man Home.
The last song I saw Josh sing was, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.” Judging by the comments I’ve read on Facebook, Josh’s living was not in vain. His life touched so many.
As I always do when someone I know dies, I am thinking a lot. I am inspired once again to tell those close to me that I love them since I may not get the chance to do so again. I am thinking of those I love who do not know the Lord and how much worse my grief will be when they leave this life unless their course in life changes.
None of us are promised tomorrow. When we’re young, it’s easy to think we have forever when, in reality, the hourglass is ticking away so quickly. Today is when we need to evaluate our lives. Are we spending the time God’s given us serving Him or focusing on our own desires? Are we walking in the Spirit or fulfilling the lusts of the flesh? Can we truly tell Josh, “You may look for me, for I’ll be there”?
The older I get, the more I long for Heaven. I miss my loved ones who have gone before but, with that, comes an increasing desire to be faithful until the day it’s my turn to enter my beautiful Home.
Josh, I miss you but I love the mental picture of you in Jesus’ arms. It may be a while before the thought of your smiling face does not bring tears to my eyes but they are selfish tears. In reality, I would not call you back to this world of sorrow. I will pray for your friends and family, as I know they miss you dearly as well. It’s amazing that someone so young could make such an impact but you definitely did. I am so blessed to have known you.
This is so sad. But at least we know he is at home with Jesus.
My experience was very much the same. I met the Copenhavers at NQC and we became instant friends. This friendship has led to many great times together and the my introduction to the GloryWay Quartet. Josh was a dear friend and we were talking about his engineering a recording project for me.
Let me share a quick story. Sunday morning, GloryWay, which Josh was once a member, sang “First Day In Heaven.” As we sang, I pictured Josh taking his grand first tour of the Heavenly realm.
My love and sympathy to precious wife, Rachel and the entire Copenhaver Family.
Royce
So saddened to hear of Josh’s passing. Heard him sing with Gloryway, prayers for his Family and Friends. Thankful Josh is home and the comfort in knowing we shall all meet again someday.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. The Cophenhaver Family is such am amazing, inspirational family. May God hold each of them in his loving arms during this time of grief and sadness.
JOSH’S FAMILY CAME TO OUR CHURCH, GOOD NEWS BAPTIST IN SMITHVILLE,OHIO SEVERAL TIMES TO SING AND WE ENJOYED THEM VERY MUCH, I BELIEVE HE WAS A TRUE SERVANT OF GOD AND THERE IS A NEW ANGEL SINGING IN THEIR CHOIR. I THANK YOU FOR ALL THE BEAUTIFUL SINGING, YOU WILL BE MISSED. I PRAY GOD SENDS PEACE AND COMFORT TO THE FAMILY.
I knew the Copenhavers a very short time as I had booked them at the church I was attending at that time. They did an amazing performance that I will never forget. We were in the middle of a 45 minute singing and the sound system went down. I think the devil was trying to stop what was going on. The Copenhavers stated to not give the devil credit for anything and simply continued singing acapella and did an amazing job. It touched the hearts of many that night and the crowd ask for more and we had church that night. Needles to say, the next morning, (Sunday), the sound system was flawless and worked without a hitch. Thank you, Copenhavers, and my God always rain His blessings on you.
Bill Adams.
Awesome read prayers to the family
I am praying for Josh’s family during this difficult time. I never got to meet Josh, but I look forward to doing so in our eternal home!
I just found out and am very sad to hear this. Very good man. Very good family. My sympathies go out to the family. You will be in my prayers.