A Farewell to Mom and a “Praise the Lord”

Earlier this year, I was filled with joy to tell my readers about my mom’s conversion at age 79. In fact, I wrote about it when it happened and then later as I reflected on the magnificent event. That was March of this year, and these last months with Mom have been amazing.  

Just two days ago, though, the Lord unexpectedly called her home. We grieve today, but not as a people with no hope. Instead, here are my thoughts today:

1. God’s timing to save Mom was not mine, but it was perfectly right. As I’ve written before, you no longer worry about the delay once God’s given His answer. All you can do is praise the Lord. 
2. Just a few months of having my mom as my sister in Christ also were incredible. Sure, I wish she had become a believer long before she did, but I thank God for these past months. Baptizing Mom was one of the highlights of my ministry. 
3. Death is a vivid reminder of the significance of the gospel. It’s times like these I’m more aware of the gospel’s eternal influence on our lives. I don’t even want to think about what today would have been like just a few months ago before my mom followed Christ. Even the thought of it is agonizing. 
4. We really don’t take anything with us when we die. Today, I spent some of the day helping my siblings clean out my mom’s apartment. It was filled with stuff . . . and more stuff . . . and even more stuff. Mom kept a lot—but now we’re clearing it out. She doesn’t need any of it anymore. 
5. All of us must prepare for death. I realize I’m expected to say that as a pastor and seminary professor—but now I’m facing this truth up front. As I write this post about my mom’s death, in fact, I am also seated beside the bedside of my 93-year-old father-in-law who is likely soon facing his own death. On Saturday of this week, we will bury Pam’s uncle who died the same day my mom did. It’s been a tough week, but we’re all headed in the direction of death.  
6. Death cannot be the end. If Mom’s story ended the day my brother found her on the floor, life itself would have made no sense. Life would be tragic indeed if this were the final act. But, it’s not . . . 
7. The prayers of God’s people make a difference. For years, I’ve prayed for others who’ve suffered loss. Now, my family is on the receiving end of the prayers of others – and it’s hard to describe the strength we feel.
8. We should never give up on loved ones who aren’t believers. We prayed for 47 years for Mom to follow Christ. Now, because of God’s gracious response to our prayers, we get to spend eternity with her. 

I praise the Lord today for my mom’s life (and for the lives of Pam’s uncle and dad). May I ask you to pray for our family today?