September 29-Mama: Finishing The Race

It’s Sunday (very early) and I’m sitting here with my mama, watching her take her last breaths. I’m so blessed to be able to spend these last few hours with her and to remember the of clips of our lives. I have thought of little else since Thursday, when I got the news she was in rapid decline—I was a half a world away—and I have been running on high since then. But just now, there is a peacefulness here. 


As you may remember, I just finished a tour covering most of the stops of the second missionary journey of the Apostle Paul. My mama, like the apostle, longs for heaven. Her spirit can say with assurance the very same words Paul sent to his student Timothy more than 2,000 years ago. 


“I am already being poured out like a drink offering. The time has come for me to leave. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is a crown waiting for me. It is given to those who are right with God. The Lord, who judges fairly, will give it to me on the day he returns. He will not give it only to me. He will also give it to all those who are longing for him to return.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:6-8‬ ‭NIRV‬‬


As I look at her, she is indeed being “poured out.” Only the old tent that has served her well for almost 92 years remains. She has finished the use of her beautiful blue eyes, her legs and feet, and most everything else. BUT, we are overjoyed and overwhelmed that finishing this race well means there is a “new body” for her and most of all...she will have a new, whole brain! 


I’ve missed mama for a long time now, but this act of death is hard. It’s hard turning loose, letting go—a part of us always wants our mama. But she’s ready. Her body is used up and she is ready for her crown—the crown that is waiting for those who love the Lord. 


There are 1,000 songs we sing of heaven, some good & some bad. But they all carry that same sense of excitement, that awestruck wonder, whether it is a 4-stanza hymn, southern gospel harmony, or a brand new song with a contemporary score. And how could they not with our scripture so very rich about it? More than 300 times we read of Heaven, and Revelations is so clear, it flat-out paints us a picture. “In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.” Rev. 4:8


How beautiful heaven must be!


Thank you Father for the promise of more than just this life. We don’t know for sure what it’s like or when we will get to experience it, but we do know it is your home—the place where you reside—and it is for those who love your appearing. Hallelujah for the sacrifice and hallelujah for the one who broke the chains of death so we don’t have to fear it. Praise you Jehovah Jireh! And thank you for giving me time to see mama before she wears a robe and crown. Teach us to be right with you and walk in a way that you can be proud of us. We love you Lord and we worship your name. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear one, 

Pam



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