A dear friend's mother died a few days ago. In speaking with her she recounted the last few days she spent with her mother, before she died. I am glad that I could be there for my friend, whose grief is so fresh, however, my heart has been aching ever since. Oh how I miss mom.
I wish I could have shared with my friend that the pain she feels will go away or lessen somehow. I couldn't, because it hasn't for me. The times that I cry may be fewer and spaced farther apart, but the heartache is the same as the day she left this earth. In order to survive I have learned to live with this pain.
Somehow I must face the rest of my life without the woman who gave me life. Without the woman who sacrificed so much of herself for me. It is only by God's grace I am able to continue. My friend shared something with me that gave me comfort -- because I know Christ, God IS with me. I am never alone in my sorrow. Praise be to God. He is faithful, He is carrying me, He will complete this work in me. Until I reach heaven's door I will remember my mother and all she gave me. I will remember her in the best parts of me, because they are because of her. I will continue to keep her memory alive in the stories I tell. I will see her face every time I look at my daughter. I will continue to love and honor my father. And I will remember how much she loved me.
It is Well with my Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Soli deo Gloria. Amen.
