Been kind of busy for the last couple of days. A elderly saint that I stayed with for some yrs passed on new yrs morning. Her family had her wake last night and her funeral was today. I was asked to be a Paul Barer.
The service before the funeral was really disappointing to me. It seemed the Pastor giving the eulogy knew nothing about this 93 yr old saint. He basically said a lot of general things that would apply to any christian mother.
I was really inclined to ask to speak a few words but did'nt know if it would be proper or if perhaps my words would have made it harder on the family.
I have mentioned this old lady here before. In my life she first taught me the difference in having a religion and having a relationship with Christ. She was my mentor when I was becoming aware of the Holy Spirit.
I was a close part of her family, and can testify that she would seclude herself in her prayer closet for up to two weeks with nothing but a jug of water. All the yrs that I knew her she lived a life of sacrifice to prayer and fasting. Her burden and hope for her children, family, friends, and church, and me, was a real thing and it was a life long burden.
She had four children, and it seems that at least three have fell away from the faith. I just don't understand how this could be. . . .and is why I felt so inclined to say something today.
This old couple never had anything in the way of financial security to amount to anything. Their home was built around an old boxcar. They never had any kind of insurance except for their faith that the Lord would keep them. Giving birth, pnumonia, snakebite, or whatever was treated at home with home remedy and prayer. Once I knew her to have an ugly cancerous looking sore on her face. She went on one of her week or two fasts and when she came out it was gone with out a trace of any kind.
What does it mean to know that theres someone who seeks God so ferverently in our behalf ? What does it mean for her children , grandchildren, and the rest of us, that there is now no one that will sacrifice in prayer and fasting for us the way this old saint did ? It's scary to me when I think about it.
At any rate, circumstances have dictated that I hav'nt been able to see much of Granny for the last 15 yrs. I did pay her a visit on Christmas day. She was 93 yrs old, still on her feet, sharp as a tack, and doing for herself. None the less, she told me goodbye as I did her and we both knew it was for the last time. I worry for her family and mine. I know that I should have said something today but I just could'nt make myself do it. With this saint gone, some of us are going to have to learn to step up to the plate in intercessary prayer and fasting.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mac, you have my deepest sympathy..I can see you you must of loved this dear Saint very, verymuch..Yes, as the psalmist so rightly wrote, "Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning."you will mourn the passing of this dear lady but then we must celebrate her home going, for today she is with her Lord and Saviour Jesus..93 years, she has no doubt looked forward to this glorius day..I am so glad God gave us a memory bank, so that we can look back over the many years we have been blessed by someone we truly love.. i know you are a better man because of the presence of Granny in your life..God bless you my friend and you are in my prayers..
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wayne
"There's room at the cross for you."
Brother, from Me, Mary and Shawn, our deepest and sincerest sympathy and condolences to you and your family! May she rest in peace in Jesus arms.....Hallelujah, what a great Savior we have......Jesus Christ..
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
Bro Mac; These kind of folks cannot be replaced, and will always be missed. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth.
Thanks fellas. Yes Granny is in her reward now and I rejoice for her. She has been waiting anxiously to go home for some time now. I do mourn for my own selfish reasons as these icons of the faith and the old ways pass from this present reach.
I do wonder if as many or any of this generation will leave a testament to compare with these old saints. Will I? I'd be ashamed to say how long its been since I hard down fasted and prayed for a week. I don't know anyone who seems to be totally focused seeking His face for more than a while any longer.
Folks around here used to walk for hours to make it to a service under an old brush arbor. Shoot , now I become annoyed if I'm made to stand too long in a service.
Folks in this neck of the world would be considered rich by the standards of our parents and especially grandparents. We count on doctors and lawyers, insurance, savings and investments, steady jobs, and retirements. These old folk counted on God and each other . . . .and God moved mountains for them. It's hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven and most in this country would be considered rich as compared to an older day or another country. I can't help but to reflect that it seems that a lower and lower standard is being set forth by each generation overall. Snooky, I do wonder if when the Son of man comes will He find faith on the earth. We sure can put our hope and faith in a lot of things nowadays. We can miss a lot by gaining so much.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Granny Is With Jesus Now
