Psalms 23: 1-6 NKJV
It wasn't something that I was looking forward to. In fact, I was dreading it. One week earlier, I had received the call that my mother had passed away in her sleep. I really don't recall much of that night, other than having to see her for a few last moments. Of course, my life was shaken in the span of a few hours. Later that night I asked a simple prayer of God. I didn't ask for riches or opportunity, for none of that mattered to me at the time. No, this prayer was more of one for survival in the midst of tragedy. So, I prayed, "Dear God, give me peace tonight in the middle of my hurt. Bring me rest, Lord." Although it was hard for me to recount or keep track of all that God was doing in my life during this time, I have no doubt that He was there, for felt His presence. The following days would bring a whirlwind of events and challanges as I prepared for my mothers memorial. It certainly wasn't something I was looking forward to. Just one week before the memorial service, I viewed my mothers body for the final time, this was my goodbye. Again I prayed, "Dear God, I'm hurt and broken, yet I know that you are with me even through all of this. Please keep my mom until I see her once again." I didn't realize it too much at the time, but God was touching and healing my heart.
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
John 15:16 NKJV
The morning of my mothers memorial was a flood of emotions. I was blessed to have a morning bible group with two close brothers, but my thoughts were elsewhere as one would imagine. It was one of the hardest things I would ever have to do. How could I honor the memory of my mother well enough? Could I put my love and gratitude for her into words that would honor her memory? Thankfully, my dear friend who was also conducting the service assured me that I would do just that on this day. As friends and those who knew my mom filled the room, I wondered still if I could ever relate just how special she had been to the many people she touched in her lifetime. As my friend welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to celebrate her life I prayed once again. "Dear God, give me the words I need to honor my mother. I may never know just how many people she touched, but I know in my heart that she loved you. I know she loved you because she told me, and because she told me that You loved me as well. Thank you, Lord, for receiving my mother unto you." It is in the words of Psalm 23:6, one of my moms favorite passages, that I have found comfort.
~Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever~
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