Let us then with confidence draw near
to the throne of grace,
that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help in time of need.
-Hebrews 4:16
I rushed away to my childhood home on Saturday, games and ventures and projects temporarily suspended. My Grandfather, the one I've written about often, has been in and out of ICU. Late Monday, the doctor signed an order that said, ominously, to "Allow Natural Death". I looked over the hospital bed to my Grandmother and Mom. They were crying.
I've been here for several days now, cooking meals. Washing clothes. Running errands. Making phone calls. Trying to help. The other evening, while walking my parents' place and snapping pictures, I realized I'm seeing it firsthand: that people who tie up their faith in Jesus... in His person and His sacrifice for us... don't mourn like others. Death is... different for us. Sure, it hurts. Yes, it presents the usual survivor symptoms: shock, grief, etc. But in the midst of the avalanche of emotion is a current of blessed hope. An assurance that reminds us that to be gone from this place is to be present in a far, far better one. So, sometimes with confidence - other times with simply all the faith we have - we draw near to get our fill of help in time of need.The doctors can't say when Quarterback Jack will slip away. Could be hours, could be days. Sitting in the hospital, I imagine an angel beside his bed, waiting on a nod from the throne of grace.
For now, we wait, too....
30 comments:
I was a Hospice nurse for almost 14 years and I, too, saw how different it was for those with faith in Jesus. Even in the middle of sometimes heartwrenching grief over the prospect of separation, there was that silver lining of blessed assurance shining brightly through; assurance that our loved one will wake up in Heaven with Jesus!
I believe angels there, too.
This is a lovely post! I feel the same way about death and departing - I was afraid folks would misinterpret when I smiled through each of parent's funerals. But I knew what they were going to have - well, not literally, but....
I miss them terribly, but - that's their presence and thinking of them some is pleasant.
(Now - pain? That's a whole 'nother story!)
Take care,
~Mad(elyn) in Alabama
www.xanga.com/madewyn
So sorry your grandfather is nearing his time on earth. His treasure will be in Heaven, have no doubt. Lots of ((hugs)) during this time.
How beautiful your post is today. I was close to my grandfather too and only knowing he is with God is what keeps me from weeping daily. I believe angels are there, too.
Our prayers are with you and your grandfather while you are waiting-and being all together. Peace and comfort...
((((((hugs))))))
thinking about you. my grandfather passed away suddenly this march...i mourned but i was also comforted knowing that he would move on to a place i can only dream about now. and since then i can feel him with me...always.
Brin, what a lovely way to express how you are feeling now. You and your family are in my prayers.
My dad's health is declining day to day, and it's only a matter of time until we are there, waiting. I know I will grieve losing him from my life, but I know that when he reaches heaven, he'll live as he's never lived before, and that give me such peace!
The Lords blessings sweetie! Becky G.
Sometimes we must find the grace to let go. Sending you hugs and prayers!
So sorry Brin but know in the comfort of Him your grandfather will be very happy and at peace as well as you and your family. The house is so sweet. :)
Brin just think your grandfather will soon be bound by time no more!!all of eternity before him and no more age or aches and pains!I'm looking forward to going home and seeing my loved ones again! god's blessings on all of you.
A beautiful post and so true. I have seen the same thing. A rejoicing and a comfort that is so beautiful. I am sorry your family has to go through this difficult time, but I know you will be ok. Many blessings to you all.
So sorry about your Grandfather, I am sure he knows he is surrounded by all kinds of angels like you. I know I envisioned angels flying along with the ambulance I was following that took my dad to the hospital for the last time.
I am glad your voice is back in blogland. Missed you....
Know that God holds you all so very gently in the palm of his hand. May His peace be abundantly yours today as you again treasure the moments together. How good it is to know that you will see each other again on the beautiful morning in Glory. Prayers go with you as you go with God :)
Holding you all close in prayer.....
The song Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine keeps playing in my head.
When my dad passed away, I kept smiling. Even at the funeral. People thought I was in deep grief. I was sad and missing him. But I was so relieved that he was with our Savior, out of the pain of the day to day tribulations.
Heavenly sunshine, Jesus is mine.
Very well said for those of us who put our trust and faith in someone far bigger than we are. God is definitely our refuge, strength and a very present help in time of need.
Praying for you and your grandpa...may he have a precious and sweet homegoing.
Blessings~
Sending prayers...and comfort.
Brin,
I went to read the post you linked to and saw the picture of your Granddad......and then I looked at the picture of you in you sidebar.
You look a bit like Quarterback Jack, no?
May you hold tight to that peaceful beautiful spirit in your heart tonight.
You're in my thoughts, Brin. My grandfather slipped away two years ago this July after slowly succumbing to Alzheimer's. But he was such a good man and so devoted to his faith that it truly was a relief us to as his family - we knew he would no longer be confused here by things that were once clear to him. And it's such a comfort to know he's there, healthy and happy and on our side in Heaven. ((HUGS))
My sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. When you grandfather is taken to be with his Lord, I know it will hurt but the rejoicing in Heaven will begin. God bless you.
When you weren't blogging anymore, I really missed visiting your site. You are comforting and calming. When I wasn't feeling well and went to check on the blogs I usually check on, yours was the only one that I wanted to see....and it wasn't there.
What I'm getting at is that hopefully you blogging your feelings serves as some comfort for YOU as well. It's an odd thing, isn't it, having people care about someone they have never met. I think it's a good thing.
Best to you and your family.
You have my prayers.
Oh, the ultimate joy of the saints.
What bliss to know this is not the end for those who believe.
May God touch you in this difficult time and hold your family tight in His grace.
((((Brin)))) What a beautiful post, and reminder of the hope we have because of Jesus. I lost my younger sister a few weeks ago, and posted about it off and on this last year on my blog, as she fought ovarian cancer. Through it all she stood strong in her faith, staying focused on the One who loves her. Even though we are saddened by our loss, we rejoice that she is with Him, and healthy and whole. Thank you for a lovely post, and timely reminder for me. Thoughts and prayers as you and your family face what lies ahead.
When my grandfather was preparing to leave this earth and move onto heaven...he woke from his coma and asked my mother to look at the foot of his bed. She did and there was nothing there that she could see...but he told her "Do you see it? It is so beautiful daughter. It is so beautiful." I too believe those in Jesus are comforted in the best and a different way. I will be praying for you and your family Brin.
Hugs, Shann
The Lord bless and keep you all.
I have had many disappointments the past two years of my previously-charmed life...core disappointments and in the midst lost my father and grandfather. I simply do not know what I would do without my faith. I cannot comprehend facing life without it. Thank you for your thoughtful post on something we all must face with those we love and for ourselves. - C
I'm sorry that your losing a special person in your life. It is hard to let go, but knowing that they will be sick, tired and hurting no more, is a blessing.
May the peace of Christ be with all of you.
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