A week ago, one of our closest and dearest friends died unexpectedly in a plane crash. Throughout the week, the family has been surrounded by love as we reflected on the frailty of life. Tom, who died at the age of 53, received one of the most memorable and beautiful services I’ve ever attended. But it wasn’t because of the beautiful flowers or the music that brought us comfort and peace at a time of such devastating loss. In fact, it wasn’t even the surprised appearance of the University of Texas mascot, Bevo, who showed up at the church; yes, this really happened! What left such an impression on my life as well as others was to hear how Tom witnessed to many his great love for Jesus Christ.
A young man stood at the podium and shared amongst the thousands in attendance about how Tom testified his faith in Jesus Christ and how it changed this man’s heart. You could have heard a pin drop as we listened in awe to every word this man shared, professing how Tom had planted the seed of faith. Many of us were humbled upon hearing this story and learning firsthand Tom’s deepest commitment in life was sharing the Good News about Christ. As I sat quietly in the pew, I couldn’t help but shake my head as I wondered how much time have I wasted NOT sharing my faith with others?
Every day is a gift. Every day is a day to be cherished because truthfully we don’t know how many days God has ordained for us to be on the earth. But if we are not living a life centered upon growing God’s Kingdom, then we have to ask ourselves, what are we doing here? What purpose do we have if we’re not sharing the Good News? Do we honestly think attending church is enough? Do we even spend time reading the Bible, or are we too busy checking our updates on Facebook and Twitter?
Every one of us is going to come face to face with our risen Lord. When He asks this simple question, “Why didn’t you bother to tell others about Me?” How are we going to respond? I come across so many individuals who never read the Bible and only attend church for special occasions. Why does spending time in this world seem more significant than spending time with God?
All I know is this. Tom’s legacy has had a profound impact on me and for that I’m truly grateful. Although I am deeply saddened for his passing, I am blown away by his authentic faith. If you’re still wondering what your purpose is in this life, I can sum it up in three words: Further the Kingdom. If you don’t know how to do it, begin by praying for guidance and spending time reading the Bible. Everyone can be used by God. All He's looking for is one who has a gentle, humble heart and a spirit of obedience.
Let’s not waste another day without allowing God to use us as His divine vessel.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of us were remembered like Tom as a person who proclaimed publically and proudly their faith in Christ? I can’t think of any other way I would want to be remembered.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you and know I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Ever So Beautiful
“Ever So Beautiful”
Those were the last words Ms. Betty spoke to me just before leaving this earth. Ms. Betty was 84 years old and had been recently diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that had spread throughout her body. When one receives this kind of news, it is devastating and overwhelming. And although Ms. Betty had lived a full life of many years, eighty-four can seem too young to die.
I have the honor of working with the elderly. And often my job allows me to be with them just before their passing. When I was much younger in both my years and my faith, I used to fear being around someone who was dying. I first experienced this with my grandmother. I remember visiting her while passing through Dallas on a business trip. My mom asked me to check on her because my grandmother had become very ill. When I arrived, my grandmother was bed-ridden with a nurse by her side twenty-four hours a day. I remember being so fearful of sitting beside her. What if she died while I was there? As I quietly said my good-byes, I must confess feeling relieved as I walked out the door.
Looking back, I never knew how special that moment could have been had I only known God and His Word. A pastor once described his experience of being with the dying as standing on Holy ground. I will never forget the words from His sermon, “This is the closest you’ll ever get to the physical presence of Christ while here on earth.”
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
so that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
Twenty years later with a deeper understanding of God, I can attest the words of that pastor were true. The Bible tells us Jesus goes before His children to prepare a place for them. And we also know Jesus comes back for each of us so that we can be where He is.
While I was praying with Ms. Betty, she listened contently and seemed at peace despite the circumstances surrounding her. For a moment it felt like we were in another world, separated from cancer and death. At one point, she looked over my shoulder and I will never forget the expression on her face. Ms. Betty’s face reflected the image of peace and tranquility. I knew at that moment God had revealed something, filling her with such comfort in the midst of her final moments.
I quietly asked, “What are looking at Ms. Betty?
She responded, “Jesus.”
I was so deeply moved by that one word, I could barely speak. I was afraid to turn around because I didn’t want His presence to leave her sight. So holding back my tears, I asked, “Is He as beautiful as we think He is?”
She looked at me with eyes filled with compassion and softly said, “Ever so beautiful.”
May those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ begin today by embracing both life and death as events that lead us to a place already prepared for our homecoming. And may we all be comforted knowing that we never leave this earth alone. Our “ever so beautiful” Savior comes for each one of us so that we can be where He is. Death doesn’t exist for the Christian believer. It’s simply the passageway God uses to bring us home to His Heavenly Kingdom.
Those were the last words Ms. Betty spoke to me just before leaving this earth. Ms. Betty was 84 years old and had been recently diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that had spread throughout her body. When one receives this kind of news, it is devastating and overwhelming. And although Ms. Betty had lived a full life of many years, eighty-four can seem too young to die.
I have the honor of working with the elderly. And often my job allows me to be with them just before their passing. When I was much younger in both my years and my faith, I used to fear being around someone who was dying. I first experienced this with my grandmother. I remember visiting her while passing through Dallas on a business trip. My mom asked me to check on her because my grandmother had become very ill. When I arrived, my grandmother was bed-ridden with a nurse by her side twenty-four hours a day. I remember being so fearful of sitting beside her. What if she died while I was there? As I quietly said my good-byes, I must confess feeling relieved as I walked out the door.
Looking back, I never knew how special that moment could have been had I only known God and His Word. A pastor once described his experience of being with the dying as standing on Holy ground. I will never forget the words from His sermon, “This is the closest you’ll ever get to the physical presence of Christ while here on earth.”
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
so that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
Twenty years later with a deeper understanding of God, I can attest the words of that pastor were true. The Bible tells us Jesus goes before His children to prepare a place for them. And we also know Jesus comes back for each of us so that we can be where He is.
While I was praying with Ms. Betty, she listened contently and seemed at peace despite the circumstances surrounding her. For a moment it felt like we were in another world, separated from cancer and death. At one point, she looked over my shoulder and I will never forget the expression on her face. Ms. Betty’s face reflected the image of peace and tranquility. I knew at that moment God had revealed something, filling her with such comfort in the midst of her final moments.
I quietly asked, “What are looking at Ms. Betty?
She responded, “Jesus.”
I was so deeply moved by that one word, I could barely speak. I was afraid to turn around because I didn’t want His presence to leave her sight. So holding back my tears, I asked, “Is He as beautiful as we think He is?”
She looked at me with eyes filled with compassion and softly said, “Ever so beautiful.”
May those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ begin today by embracing both life and death as events that lead us to a place already prepared for our homecoming. And may we all be comforted knowing that we never leave this earth alone. Our “ever so beautiful” Savior comes for each one of us so that we can be where He is. Death doesn’t exist for the Christian believer. It’s simply the passageway God uses to bring us home to His Heavenly Kingdom.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Have You Ever Seen the Face of God?
The Bible tells us no one can see God and live. But I recently experienced a moment where God revealed Himself to me in the face of a woman with Alzheimer’s.
I have the privilege of working with the elderly. Once a week I do a Bible study at a facility where many of the residents have Alzheimer's. For the most part, the memories of their past have been lost. One day, I prayed that if God was going to allow this disease into my life, then He would make sure I would never forget Him. I may forget my husband and even my own children. But I asked God to promise me that I would never forget the name of Jesus Christ.
When I arrived at this facility, I was overwhelmed to see a room full of people waiting to participate in the Bible study. Every seat was filled ready to hear what God had to say. As I looked into the faces of each of the residents, I noticed one woman off to the side who gave me little or no eye contact. She appeared very tired and worn down from life.
Suddenly in the midst of my study, I heard a quiet soft voice speak out. “Excuse me.” I looked over and noticed it was this same woman. I asked if she had something to share, and she quietly said three words that were barely audible for me to hear.
“I love you.”
I was moved by her comment and thanked her for such kind words. I started the study again when shortly after, I heard the familiar voice speak out, “Excuse me.” I smiled as I looked over at her and asked if she had something to say. She replied,
“I love you.”
I thanked her and once again began teaching where I’d left off. Moments later, this same woman spoke out, “Excuse me.”However this time her comment struck me differently. This wasn’t just a complete stranger saying “I love you.” I believe this was God Himself.
I walked over to her wheel chair and knelt down beside her. When I looked into her eyes, I no longer saw a woman with Alzheimer's, but a beautiful child of the Most High God. I knew at that moment she held every memory of Jesus Christ close to her heart. This woman may have lost memories of her earthly life, but she was fully aware of the eternal life awaiting her. God had answered my prayer showing me it was impossible to forget Him. As I reached for her hand, my heart overflowed with love and compassion. Her eyes sparkled and I could clearly see God’s Spirit living within her. I wasn’t just looking at an old woman; I believe I was looking into the face of God. I was so moved by His presence in her. With tears in my eyes, I replied,
“I love you too.”
It is impossible for us to forget God. Alzheimer’s may impair our brains, but it cannot impair His Spirit that lives in each of us. Ironically, I found myself somewhat envious of this woman whose earthly past was a blur, but her eternal life was crystal clear. We may not be able to see God face to face, but we certainly can experience facets of His love and compassion throughout all of His creation.
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom
in the inmost place.”
Psalm 51:6
Praise God that His Wisdom resides in our inner most parts where no disease can ever deter our memories and relationship with Him. And for those of us who have loved ones living with Alzheimer’s, may you also be comforted knowing that God remains in each of them, revealing His light and love to those who Seek His presence.
I have the privilege of working with the elderly. Once a week I do a Bible study at a facility where many of the residents have Alzheimer's. For the most part, the memories of their past have been lost. One day, I prayed that if God was going to allow this disease into my life, then He would make sure I would never forget Him. I may forget my husband and even my own children. But I asked God to promise me that I would never forget the name of Jesus Christ.
When I arrived at this facility, I was overwhelmed to see a room full of people waiting to participate in the Bible study. Every seat was filled ready to hear what God had to say. As I looked into the faces of each of the residents, I noticed one woman off to the side who gave me little or no eye contact. She appeared very tired and worn down from life.
Suddenly in the midst of my study, I heard a quiet soft voice speak out. “Excuse me.” I looked over and noticed it was this same woman. I asked if she had something to share, and she quietly said three words that were barely audible for me to hear.
“I love you.”
I was moved by her comment and thanked her for such kind words. I started the study again when shortly after, I heard the familiar voice speak out, “Excuse me.” I smiled as I looked over at her and asked if she had something to say. She replied,
“I love you.”
I thanked her and once again began teaching where I’d left off. Moments later, this same woman spoke out, “Excuse me.”However this time her comment struck me differently. This wasn’t just a complete stranger saying “I love you.” I believe this was God Himself.
I walked over to her wheel chair and knelt down beside her. When I looked into her eyes, I no longer saw a woman with Alzheimer's, but a beautiful child of the Most High God. I knew at that moment she held every memory of Jesus Christ close to her heart. This woman may have lost memories of her earthly life, but she was fully aware of the eternal life awaiting her. God had answered my prayer showing me it was impossible to forget Him. As I reached for her hand, my heart overflowed with love and compassion. Her eyes sparkled and I could clearly see God’s Spirit living within her. I wasn’t just looking at an old woman; I believe I was looking into the face of God. I was so moved by His presence in her. With tears in my eyes, I replied,
“I love you too.”
It is impossible for us to forget God. Alzheimer’s may impair our brains, but it cannot impair His Spirit that lives in each of us. Ironically, I found myself somewhat envious of this woman whose earthly past was a blur, but her eternal life was crystal clear. We may not be able to see God face to face, but we certainly can experience facets of His love and compassion throughout all of His creation.
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom
in the inmost place.”
Psalm 51:6
Praise God that His Wisdom resides in our inner most parts where no disease can ever deter our memories and relationship with Him. And for those of us who have loved ones living with Alzheimer’s, may you also be comforted knowing that God remains in each of them, revealing His light and love to those who Seek His presence.
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