Christina Grimmie laid to rest; father says 'God's plan is better than my plan'

Christina Grimmie, the Christian "Voice" singer who was fatally shot in Orlando last week, has been laid to rest in her home state of New Jersey.

She was buried after a private funeral on Thursday for family and close friends that was paid for by her "Voice" coach Adam Levine.  

A public memorial for the 22-year-old followed on Friday night at the Fellowship Alliance Chapel in Medford, New Jersey, that was adorned with large pictures of Grimmie and an illuminated cross.  

The memorial was attended by members of her family, including her father, Albert Grimmie, who spoke movingly of his continued trust in God despite his loss.

"God's plan is better than my plan. I know that for a fact. I can't hardly plan a dinner thing. No I can't. But I've argued with God, 'God, your plans are better than mine? This is ridiculous. This doesn't make sense'. But I've got to trust him," he said.

Earlier in the week, hundreds of mourners gathered for a candlelight vigil in Evesham Township, where her brother Marcus paid a touching tribute to her.

"She loved this town, she loved this state, she loved singing, she loved the Lord and she loved me and she was my baby sister," he said.

Marcus had also spoken of her Christian faith in a Facebook page remembering his beloved sister: 

"She was a partner in life. A superstar. A goofball. Introverted. And a friend to everyone. Genuinely."

He continued, "But above all ... she was my baby sister. She loved the Lord and her family and was always there for me and I honestly don't know what ill do without her."

Prior to appearing on The Voice, Grimmie was an established YouTube star with a strong social media following up to the time of her death.  One of her most popular videos was her rendition of "In Christ Alone", written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty.

Her rendition was the opening song to the memorial service on Friday, where her aunt Kathy also paid tribute.

"Christina I am so proud of you. I love you girl. I love that you're walking with Jesus on streets of gold. I'll see you later," she said.

Grimmie was shot down by a deranged fan as she signed autographs after performing at a concert at Orlando's Plaza Live.  The gunman Kevin James Loibl took his own life when he was tackled by Marcus.

It was to mark the start of a tragic week for Orlando, with 50 people dying in an attack on a gay night club in the city the day after and a toddler being snatched and killed by an alligator at the area's Disney resort a few days later.

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.