What a Time in Jesus

We got back about 11:00 last night. We had to make an unplanned trip to Georgia. Pa-paw passed away Sunday night. We were so very sorry that we hadn't got to see him one more time, but the Lord knows.

I was just amazed by the funeral. I knew Pa-paw loved the Lord very much. Every time we went to see him, it was all he wanted to talk about--the Lord and how good He is, the several different churches around his home, (he used to visit them--he'd go to revivals at churches that weren't his home church just to show support and bask in the spirit of God--I'm going to remember that next time I sigh or get tired just thinking about another night of revival service), and the recent things the Lord had shown him in Scripture was another of his favorite topics for discussion. He was truly a man in love with Jesus.

He had five ministers preach at his funeral. It was apparently one of his last requests. Each one was very enjoyable, but my husband ... I was so proud of him. He was so eloquent and his words were so comforting and touching. Tears flowed from many in the congregation when he spoke, and many, many people told him as such after the service. I'm pretty sure his dad was touched. He needs salvation so very badly. He's such a good man but he just needs Jesus in his life. He said some things after the funeral that let us know he's pondering things in his heart probably even more than he ever has. Pray for him.

One of the ministers reminded us of how much Pa-paw loved to sing. He told of him joining the choir and singing specials wherever he went and was always so very anointed. His favorite song was "I Have Somebody With Me". The young minister that told about that tried to sing the song, but he couldn't keep from crying to finish it so some people in the congregation started singing to help him. Before long, most of the people there were singing together the song that Pa-paw loved so much. It was beautiful. I never have seen such a sweet spirit at a funeral than what was there that day.

Another minister with such a meek and sweet spirit spoke on the story of Jesus speaking peace to the stormy seas and how Jesus had finally spoken peace to the stormy sea that Pa-paw had faced for so long at the end of his life. He did suffer greatly--almost completely blind, difficult time breathing because of fluid build-up on his lungs, constantly in pain, loss of a couple of fingers from the diabetes. It was rough for him, but he still had a joyful disposition and would tell everyone who came to see him how good his Lord was and he'd just cry when he'd tell them how much Jesus loved each one. But Jesus stopped his storm last Sunday and he was now probably singing with the choir just as he always loved to do. It was such a beautiful sermon.

He's gone, but I pray that each one who knew him will follow the example he left so that they will see him again some day.