Saying Goodbye
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55
(ESV)
On January 16, we said goodbye to my sweet mother-in-law, Jean Cook.
Ironically, the previous day was one of joyful celebration as my oldest daughter reached the pinnacle age of ten. Her “girlie girl” surprise birthday party and was topped off with luxury suite tickets to Winter Jam 2011.
Following the concert, we learned that Jean had taken a turn for the worst. Two pre-teen girls laughing about the concert gave way to more serious discussions of a trip to Georgia. Our hearts broke as we learned early the next morning that we wouldn’t make it in time. Our gracious and sovereign God met Jean for a personal escort to her new heavenly home.
Suddenly, our family was swept into a season of grieving, but there was a peace within us. Jean left a legacy of love for the Lord. She never shied away from her faith, and she worked diligently to see her children grow in that same love. We miss her terribly, but we are certain she is enjoying a glorified body in the presence of God.
During those hard days, I found comfort in so many of God’s promises concerning death. One of my favorites was in 2 Corinthians 5:8,
“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
Paul himself was torn between staying in this life and being at home with the Lord. I’m sure my mother-in-law is quite happy in her new home. She will no longer hurt, no longer cry, no longer worry and no longer fear. My sister-in-law likes to say that if her mom were given the opportunity to return here, she wouldn’t. After all, who would want to leave the presence of God?
Of course I am sad. This year will be trying as we face all the holidays without Jean. But, our work on this earth isn’t finished yet. There are members in our family who don’t know or understand about God’s love. As those of us in Christ grieve and heal, I pray our lives are a testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness. My hope is that these circumstances will be used to reach others who are hurting so that they too will know the eternal peace found by the regenerating love of Jesus.
In Christ Alone,
Dana
I’m so sorry for your loss Dana. May the God of love, comfort and peace be with you and your family at this time and always. I believe that you will find the strength to get through the sad days ahead.
Dana, I loved this post . . . AND I’ve read so many books of those who believe they have gone to heaven and said they desperately did NOT want to return. You are so right . . . what better place is there to be than with Jesus. You have the comfort of knowing where she is . . . I am having difficulty with those I love dearly being unbelievers. It is so sad. I’m not sure how one would deal with that loss.
Sending hugs and love,
Cherie
I am so sorry for your loss but remember she is free from all physical pain and worshipping Jesus! What better place to be than worshipping Our God of Creation!
My father died in April and I am not sure he is in heaven. That is the hard part. Be happy you know where she is and Praise God for that!
May He comfort you when you are missing her….
Blessings My Friend,
My mother took her journey home on Jan. 31. There is a peace knowing that she is in heaven. I was able to be with her and the experience of feeling her last breath and knowing that her next one with with Jesus was amazing….however….I miss her.
I’m walking that road of grief too and I will keep you and your family in our prayers.
So sorry for your loss, Dana. There’s always a grief process even when you know a loved one is with Jesus and you will see them again. May you find comfort and peace in the arms of you Abba Father. Thank you for sharing.
Michele
Dana, thank you for writing this beautiful tribute to my mom. Though we all miss her very much, I could never “wish” her back to this dying world. When I’m sad and missing her, I make myself think of how happy and pain-free she is in her new home. I keep praying that those in our family who don’t have a personal relationship with Christ will come to know Him soon. Love you!!
I’m so sorry…
All those “firsts” are so hard.
I love that verse:
“Oh death, where is your sting”
“Joy is protected from being flippant by steady sorrow. Sorrow is protected from being fatal by steady joy.”
–John Piper