It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Dr. MaLinda Sapp went home to be with the Lord today at approximately 11am. As reported a few days ago, prayer for Dr. Sapp was requested and a phone line was created for members of the body of Christ to stand together in prayer for her healing. Today she received that ultimate healing that only our Lord and Savior can give.

My prayers go out to Marvin Sapp and his children. I also send prayers to the members of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church.

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Sapp speak during the "About My Father's Business" conference a few years ago and I will never forget it. Dr. Sapp was truly a woman on fire for God and with a message of "Protecting your home and family" she delivered a passionate word of encouragement to all women there.

She imparted such wisdom and inspired us all to do everything we could as mothers, wives, and women to uplift our families and everyone around us. She was a force to be reckoned with and when her message was complete we all stood to our feet to give her the applause she so deserved.

In my recent article here at Bellaonline, Marvin Sapp talked about his wife; “I met my wife in the third grade; on the playground. We never dated during school but when I started to really work in the ministry I thought I may need to get a wife. So my minister of music, I’m not sure if she knows this story, but he told me ‘man you should try to date Malinda’ and I said ‘Craig, MaLinda is not the type of woman you date she is the type of woman you marry. So I’m not going to mess with her until I’m ready to get married.”

He eventually asked her out and the two have been together for over 20 years. Their love for each other was evident upon seeing them together. She was his support and it was through her encouragement that his biggest hit "Never Would Have Made It" was recorded. She was the one who pushed him to add the song to his CD and the rest as they say is history.

I know she will be missed by all who loved and knew her. Again I ask you to please join me in extending our prayers to Marvin Sapp and all of his family during this tough time.