Mama’s about to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land … Heaven with all the Glory of the Lord

About a year ago, I took a six-week course to become a volunteer in the No One Dies Alone program. If patients have no one to be with them while they are actively dying, volunteers who have received the training and are available sit with the patient, pray with the patient, read to the patient, talk with the patient if the patient is able, and hold the patient’s hand if wanted.

I have a folder in my car ready at a moment’s notice with guidelines and instructions, the book Urgent Whispers, tips, Scripture, and paper and pen. I’ve also prepared a playlist of iTunes hymns and praise music just for the time I might need it.

Little did I know that God was preparing me to sit with Mama as she prepared to look into the face of Jesus.

I’ve read Urgent Whispers; I’ve held her hand; I’ve whispered Scriptures describing heaven to her; I’ve kissed her, I’ve rubbed her head, and I’ve played the hymns and praise music for her.

I had planned to minister to the dying. I had planned to minister to Mama.

Yet, I did not anticipate the blessings I would receive from her as she lifted one foot high toward heaven with her tiptoes on earth.

Sitting with Mama caused me to reflect upon her legacy. Her family is her life. While I wasn’t always there for her, she was always there for me.

Mama and Daddy taught me the value of their commitment to each other … until death did they part … 53 years after they wed.

Always a lady, she taught me the power of image and reputation. She did not instruct me. She showed me through her life. Even in assisted living, she has been known for the lady that she is.

God is central to her purpose. Her family recognizes it; her friends see it, and the staff in her assisted living facility understand it.

Streams of health care providers have been through her doors to kiss her, tell her they love her, and tell her “Goodbye.”

Mama lived her talk: “Patience, Pluck, and Perseverance.”

Patience in waiting upon the Lord to take her home.

Pluck in choosing a path of relationship building.

Perseverance in stepping out in strength and dignity even in pain.

 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. Proverbs 31:25

Mama, you have blessed many beyond measure, and you are smiling at a future filled with the Glory of the Lord and rewards unimagined. Enjoy eternity. I’ll join you in God’s timing.

My prayer:

Father, thank You for the hope that you have given the world, and thank You that Mama has walked this world with strength and dignity. Thank You that she is smiling at the future. May we all walk this world with strength and dignity as we smile at the future.