Sunday, July 19, 2009

REFLECTIONS


It has been almost exactly a week...to the hour...that the Lord called my Mama to come home. What a week. I think my family has learned some important lessons through this...I sure have.
God says that 'His grace will be sufficient...', and it has. I look back at this past week and wonder how it is that I was able to do what had to be done. How was I able to speak at her funeral? How was I able to smile and truly find joy in the situation? One word...grace. God's grace. He promises He will strengthen us WHEN we need it. I was talking to the pastor that preached part of her funeral, and he said that there have been times when he has thought he could not get through a service...but the minute he stood, he felt the strength of God filling him. As my friend Pam was singing, I thought I would just decline to opportunity to speak. Everyone would understand. But, when she finished...I stood. And the peace and strength and grace of the Lord literally washed over me. And, I was able to do what I had planned. My sister, Joy, and Pop have both felt this, too.
*******My doorbell just rang and my friend, Allison, was there with a beautiful pie, and ice cream for topping! Yummy! I can hardly wait to have a piece! Thank-you, Allison! My friends have so ministered to me this week. I am truly blessed******

We sang the beautiful hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, at the funeral. One of Mom's favorites.
I must take this opportunity to say that God keeps His promises. He does what He says He will do. Always. And, there is great security and peace in KNOWING that.
I have lived for 1 week without my Mom. And, I will live the rest of my life without my Mom. But, when my life is over, I will be with her again! And, that's His promise!

13 comments:

andi said...

Hey sweet friend. Just thinking of you today...hugs!

RachelD said...

I've imagined a great golden glow or ray of sunshine or some aura of light that must be centered over Dothan, with all of your friends praying you Grace.

It's wonderful to know how deeply felt it was and how much strength and peace it brought to you.

Isn't that one of the great miracles?

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I love His promise. AMEN!

LivingTheLife said...

Isn't it such a blessing, a gift from our Heavenly Father to know he does and will hold us up during such times...yes, he is so very faithful to his promises to us...and w/o him none of us would have any idea what GRACE truly means. You my friend burst at the seams with grace...all the time, but I am sure even more so in the last week...I am keeping you in my daily thoughts and prayers....((((HUGS)))

Blessings...
Teresa

Maggie said...

Your mom was blessed in her life and in her swift end. It's so hard for you, your dad, and your close family, of course. Hugs from cyberspace.

Jean said...

You keep building my faith, Tonja, no matter what trial you face. I count myself so blessed to have you for a friend and mentor.

I really needed the encouragement that this post brings. Thank you so, so much.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you...Teresa

Justabeachkat said...

So true! What a blessing to know He holds us in His hand. We are never along. Never!

Hugs sweet friend!
Kat

Tracey said...

testify girlfriend! If He brought you to it, He'll bring you through it! Love reading the posts of all He has done for you. His grace is sufficient!

Love you!

The Brezina's said...

Mrs. T
How about you take a little/much needed vacation, your meals and lodging are on me as long as you bring your walking shoes!! Yes, I'm saying come to Germany!!!

Take Aim for what is before you, for your future brings forth VICTORY on your behalf. Thanks to our Heavenly Father for being our Jerm 29:11!

Gail said...

You will soon find the peace inside your soul dealing with this lost. It will last a life time. You will know for sure that your Mom's spirit is alive and well. You will just feel it. I think I can understand what you were saying. I, too, remained so peaceful when I lost my Dad. Like your Mom...he left without warning. I was shocked at first...but I have always felt our Lord around me. I just knew HIS grace. I am so thankful, that you, too, have found this so soon. God Bless you always and peace to you always.

nancygrayce said...

Grace is truly all that gets me through!

fmurphy said...

Tonja,
I have been following your blog for some time now which I found through Robin Brookshire's blog site and God continually speaks to my heart through you and your life experiences. But we also live in a very small world. I have shared with my mom many of your blogs by reading them to her since she is not much on using the computer. However, this past week as I was reading it to her, she immediately gasped and told me that you and your family lived near us growing up and that we went to church together as children. She then went on to tell me how much my dad (who died 15 years ago) loved your mom and dad and what an inspiration your parents have been to them. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Farrie White Murphy