My grandmother died two days ago. I spent much of the past two days sorting my thoughts. My Nana and I were different in our beliefs yet we both were solid on the most important belief- the belief in Jesus Christ.
When Jesus died his followers mourned. They mourned because they did not understand his death. Their Lord was gone and they did not know where he went or why he died. They felt confused and hopeless. They did not understand that his death was the beginning of new life. For three days they were defeated in their grief. When Jesus resurrected, the hope and faith of the disciples resurrected. After 40 days, when it came time for Jesus to leave, he left his disciples with a purpose and power. This time in Jesus’ absence his followers were empowered far greater than they ever were in his presence. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they were not only comforted but empowered to carry on his message of the kingdom. Notice the difference in the mood of the disciples after Jesus was gone the second time?
There is no defeat in grief when you have faith in Jesus and when you know that a person has died believing in Christ. Instead, there is hope. There is a calling to continue in purpose. There is an increase in power and strength. There is a solid assurance, that just as Christ is alive, so is the follower of Christ who dies believing in him. I cannot see Jesus with my eyes, nor can I see heaven, nor can I see my Nana, but none the less- I know that Jesus is alive, as is my Nana, and I know where they both are. She continues to live in glory and strength just as he continues to live.
I caught a glimpse of my Nana’s strength and powerful spirit in our last conversation. I caught a glimpse of her glory. She said, “I’m gonna fight” and “You have no idea how much I love you. You are my girl.” In that moment I saw her for who she was, and she was alive and glorious. She continued to allow every test and valiant attempt by men to preserve her body but in the end the Lord called her home.
As I think of her last words to me I hear the voice of my Lord, ”I’m gonna fight. You have no idea how much I love you. You are my girl.” I saw Jesus in her. I saw his strength and his love for me through my Nana. My God is a faithful God and my Nana was a faithful woman. She was faithful to the Lord and served him as she felt convicted by his Spirit to serve. She was also unwavering in her devotion to her husband and I honor her for this. Her love for me was unwavering. She fought her fight, as Jesus fought his fight on the cross. I know they are both covering me and fighting for me with their prayers.
Tonight I thank God for Jesus and the promise of eternal life through belief in him. I thank God because he has not only secured my future but also my present. I will see Jesus and my Nana again, until then I will continue to live my life striving to love those who they love. I know their love and their words will always be with me. Praise God for his unfailing love.
- Submitted by Charity A. Gutierrez
Take some time today to think about the people in your life who have allowed God’s love to shine through them. Write down the ways that they reflected God’s love. (This after all is why the gospels were written down- to show us the love of God reflected in Jesus Christ.)
- Strive to carry on the legacy of love.
