As my mind rehearses the events of the last few days, I recall a testimony of a friend. Not long ago, I listened intently as she shared her life story of how God gave grace during the passing of her husband. To someone who has never had to go through the hard times of losing a loved one (companion) as she had, one would have to take her word for it, as I did. God was ministering handfuls of grace to her during those hard times and I cannot imagine those who face the chilling hand of death without it. Although her story was very touching, real, and true... I was not there to see the grace administered to her first-hand. With that thought in mind, I have prayed that God would do the same this week, ministering that same grace to those whom have lost their loved one. I have seen the Lord answer prayers time and time again, and he has been so faithful. I knew that he would give grace, but I can definitely say that what I saw tonight (even though I had prayed for it) I was not anticipating to see in the magnitude displayed.
We attended the receiving of Jamey Alderman, our church member and dear friend. I have to admit, I was so hesitant about taking the children. I imagined that it was going to be very difficult for them to see their friends upset over the passing of their sweet daddy. Well, although I know that there has been plenty of tears shed, and rightfully so, boy were we in for a surprise!
Once our family arrived at the funeral home, little Landon Alderman(son of Jamey that passed) ran over to get our son Levi. He asked him if he wanted to go see his daddy. Landon (who had a big smile on his face) and Levi went together to the viewing. Levi told me later that they talked and talked about what an awesome dad he was. Landon was so proud, and rightfully so. His daddy loved Jesus, and he was assured that he was just fine now. I honestly felt as if the Lord was using the Landon to minister to Levi!
Later that evening, one of Jamey's family members thanked me for "sharing" my husband during this time of Jamey's sickness and passing. I have to tell you, I could hardly find words fit for a reply. I felt as if I should be thanking them! God used Jamey's passing (and family) to minister and to remind me just how close and intimate He will be to his children in times of needed grace. While walking around to each of the family members, each was so content, obviously knowing God's plan had been unfolded before them. I just wish that I could convey with words the emotion and joy that flooded my soul, knowing that God's grace was so real and that all of those prayers for comfort for them had been heard.
Although the road ahead is full of uncertainties, there is one thing that we can rest assured of...He gives grace.
As the song states:
God gives grace in the midst of every storm. He gives grace to the weary and worn. He is EVERYTHING we ever need for everything we face, and when it seems that we just can't go on...GOD GIVES GRACE!
I am so excited about the home-going celebration tomorrow. Many may think that it is crazy (being excited over a funeral) but you have to understand...We have reason to rejoice! Jamey is happier now than he has ever been. If anyone would want us to enjoy his "going home" celebration it would be the man that we would claim could be the 'life of the party".... In fact, he IS the life of the party and is more ALIVE than ever!
The best part about it is that God is going to continue to use Jamey's testimony to reach many others for His honor and Glory.
I am thankful for the blessed assurance that I will see our dear brother again.
Join us tomorrow as we celebrate. God Bless.
Please enjoy the following...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmEa5tqP4sU
God Gives Grace
We attended the receiving of Jamey Alderman, our church member and dear friend. I have to admit, I was so hesitant about taking the children. I imagined that it was going to be very difficult for them to see their friends upset over the passing of their sweet daddy. Well, although I know that there has been plenty of tears shed, and rightfully so, boy were we in for a surprise!
Once our family arrived at the funeral home, little Landon Alderman(son of Jamey that passed) ran over to get our son Levi. He asked him if he wanted to go see his daddy. Landon (who had a big smile on his face) and Levi went together to the viewing. Levi told me later that they talked and talked about what an awesome dad he was. Landon was so proud, and rightfully so. His daddy loved Jesus, and he was assured that he was just fine now. I honestly felt as if the Lord was using the Landon to minister to Levi!
Later that evening, one of Jamey's family members thanked me for "sharing" my husband during this time of Jamey's sickness and passing. I have to tell you, I could hardly find words fit for a reply. I felt as if I should be thanking them! God used Jamey's passing (and family) to minister and to remind me just how close and intimate He will be to his children in times of needed grace. While walking around to each of the family members, each was so content, obviously knowing God's plan had been unfolded before them. I just wish that I could convey with words the emotion and joy that flooded my soul, knowing that God's grace was so real and that all of those prayers for comfort for them had been heard.
Although the road ahead is full of uncertainties, there is one thing that we can rest assured of...He gives grace.
As the song states:
God gives grace in the midst of every storm. He gives grace to the weary and worn. He is EVERYTHING we ever need for everything we face, and when it seems that we just can't go on...GOD GIVES GRACE!
I am so excited about the home-going celebration tomorrow. Many may think that it is crazy (being excited over a funeral) but you have to understand...We have reason to rejoice! Jamey is happier now than he has ever been. If anyone would want us to enjoy his "going home" celebration it would be the man that we would claim could be the 'life of the party".... In fact, he IS the life of the party and is more ALIVE than ever!
The best part about it is that God is going to continue to use Jamey's testimony to reach many others for His honor and Glory.
I am thankful for the blessed assurance that I will see our dear brother again.
Join us tomorrow as we celebrate. God Bless.
Please enjoy the following...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmEa5tqP4sU
God Gives Grace
2 comments:
God is good!
Wow!! Thanks for sharing this. My husband and I along with our family and church family have been praying for this dear family. So, glad that HE does give grace...even in the midst of the biggest storms of our lives. God is enough and HIS grace is sufficient!
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