Gone to Be With Jesus

I woke up a little after 3:00 Sunday morning.  When I knew I couldn’t get back to sleep, I went into the living room to read the Bible and do some work.   A little later, I got the call that my grandmother passed away Sunday morning.  She passed away sometime after 3AM peacefully in her sleep at the Hospice House.

She went to the Hospice House the Monday before due to some complications.  After a stroke about 14 months ago, she has really had a difficult time this last year.

In so many ways, I was relieved and joyful to hear of her passing on Sunday morning.  My theology tells me that she is not suffering anymore and she if far better off than we are right now.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away…behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:4-5).

img_0542Over the last few months, Grandmother was asleep for most of the day.  There was one person that could always wake her up and get her laughing even in her frail state: Obadiah.

The first time Obadiah went to the nursing home to see her, he got in the bed with her and just started rubbing her shoulder and talking sweetly to her.  It’s like the little guy knew exactly what she needed.  She started crying and then using what energy she had to start talking back to him.  They held hands.  He bit her.  She laughed.  And then he grabbed onto my hands and started jumping up and down in the bed with her howling at the top of his lungs.

She just laughed and laughed, and kept saying, “My goodness, Obadiah.  My goodness.”

It was a reminder as both of them needed such care and were so dependent upon other people that this life is indeed short and we better make it count.

It was a reminder that God can use a small child to cheer up a sweet lady on her way to see Jesus.

It was a reminder of the hope we have in Christ.

I will miss my grandmother.  She was a sweet lady who loved Jesus, her family, and God’s people.  But I do not grieve for her today.  I worshiped extra hard on Sunday just trying to get a fraction of what she is able to do now.

Godspeed, Grandmother.  Live it up like you never have before.

7 thoughts on “Gone to Be With Jesus”

  1. I am sorry for your loss, but I am rejoice with you in knowing she has “all things new.” I noticed the extra fervor in your praise yesterday. God bless.

  2. Travis,

    I am sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. Your words on your blog are very thoughtful. God’s peace and blessing to you and your family.

  3. Travis, my grandmother is in a nursing home 70 miles away. Almost every Sunday after church I drive 140 miles round trip just to sit by her side for a short visit. I have often wondered what I will do when I get a call that she is no longer with us. I will miss her terribly as I know you will miss yours but there is comfort in knowing that the suffering is over. Thank you for sharing. I will remember your words and your strength. You are such a blessing to others. I am praying for continued comfort for you and your family.

  4. Hey bud! Once again, I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother. It is so great to know a guy like you. You have Jesus something serious in your heart man! Please know that it’s noticed, and you always have the words to help someone else out. More importantly, it is always so comforting to know that God has everything under control and that He will ALWAYS live up to His word. Praise God for no healing. I know your grandmother is saying that. Much love buddy! You’re the man!

  5. hey bro.
    I had not heard this info until dropping by your blog on yet another sleepless night. it’s been a VERY stressful couple of weeks , but your words of affirmation here really gave me some needed peace bro .
    I am very sorry for your loss, but also rejoice with you in her life, faith and eternal destination.

    peace, grace and blessings bro.
    anthony

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