Today is a day I will most likely never forget for the rest of my life. I know at times, I fail to make this blog as personal as I intended, today is not one of those days. I'm going to get personal here.
This morning, at 7:30 am, my dear sweet Papaw (my grandfather, and mother's father), took his last breath in my Granny's arms, with me at his side, my Mom holding his right hand, while he held a wooden Cross in his left hand. The reason I walk you through this moment, is because I KNOW God was so very present. My Papaw opened his eyes briefly, from his tired body of fighting the last few days from a heart attack, kidney failure, asbestosis, and Alzheimer's. He gazed at his wife, my Granny, as she said through tear-stained eyes, "Go sweet baby! Go! You can go be at peace now my dear....I love you, I thank you, and now you go. Go and be with Jesus." And that was it. He took one last breath, and he was gone. His heart stopped beating and he walked from earth into eternity.
In those last minutes, I know the suffering was becoming quite unbearable, not just for my Papaw obviously, but also for my Granny, my Mom, and myself. I was praying to God, and I've never asked Him to take a life, however, I made an exception this time. I prayed, "God, I know you have a purpose in this because your Word says you do. I know each breath we take serves a purpose for your Kingdom. God, please show me your purpose in this. Please take away my grandfather's suffering, and let him go in peace." God not only solidified my faith in Him and in prayer, but He showed me His purpose. You see, my selfish side, wanted to hold his left hand. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to let him cling to his cross with the left hand and just lay hands on his shoulder. I obeyed, probably because I didn't know what else to do. As he passed, I realized, this is how we should ALL be remembered, by clinging to THE CROSS. I cried, no I bawled. I wailed.
I will share something with you, I want to be known as the lady who clings to the Cross. In my last moments of life, I want people to know I clung to the Cross, the one single act of undeniable LOVE and grace given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, for all that I had. Instead of being exhausted from having a "wild ride" of a life as some like to say or quote, I want to be remembered for having a radical love for Jesus Christ and holding close to Him every breath of the day. I want my body to be completely exhausted from serving Him, and in that last moment, in my hand, is a Cross.
I heard a quote once that said, "A man can say he has faith, but his life proves it." There are not truer words to describe my grandfather. His faith was lived out throughout his life.
As a granddaughter who was close with this wonderful man, I cannot tell you the comfort if brings to absolutely know, with 100% certainty, that I know he is in heaven with our Savior. I've known some folks or two, who I have not been certain they made it to heaven. Why? I'm not certain their life has proved they have faith in our Savior. Not for me to judge, but I would say, if you have a choice in how you live your life, why leave any room for doubt with your loved ones. If you are not certain right now, I encourage you, humble yourself and pray to the One, our Jesus Christ. Ask Him to be saved, and get involved in a bible-based believing church TODAY. Where ever you are, DO NOT leave your loved ones with room to question where you are going. "I'm a good person" does not cut it, I'm afraid. How does your life tell others you love Jesus? Do you love what He loves? Do you reject sin that He rejects? Please let others be able to see your life, and say, "He definitely loved the Lord. He clung to the Cross, no matter what." Please do this, not just for yourself, not just for your loved ones, but for the One who has loved you from before you were born.
As I close this day, I'm reminded of a few scriptures I'd like to share. I once thought about what my biggest compliment in life is, and what I'd like for it to be. Sadly, none of you will be able to give me the biggest compliment I hope to receive. However, Jesus holds that key. A dear friend sent me a text message today after I revealed the news to her, and the only reply said, "Precious, I am so glad you made it here." How beautiful is that?! When I walk from earth into eternity, my heart just melts at the thought of Jesus looking at me, face-to-face, and saying, "Precious girl, I am so glad you made it here!" Shortly after, the biggest compliment I believe any of us could receive, is this:
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' - Matthew 25:23, NIV
To friends and family who have prayed, and are praying for us right now, I thank you. Words cannot do justice how thankful I am for you. A dear friend of mine came to pray over my grandfather less than 12 hours before his passing; new friends from my new church continuously checking in on me and my family expressing prayer and love; constant little text messages and facebook messages of condolences and prayer with love; you ALL are angels on this earth to me through this experience. God knew what we needed, and He sent you to come alongside of me - and my family - through this, and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I thank you for that. My scripture to YOU, is this:
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? - Hebrews 1:14, NIV
I love you and I'm praying for you. Cling to His Cross, no matter what - in good and in bad. He loves you.
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Kristina
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