Some seasons and events in our lives are so deeply ingrained into every part of our being that they often cross our minds, challenge us to grow in a more profound faith in God, and allow us to be used by God to comfort others in their suffering. The apostle Paul states in 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 (ESV), “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God continues to use my testimony to comfort others and to share the love and hope that only Jesus can provide. I am so thankful and blessed that He does because it keeps my mother’s memory alive and allows me to share the gospel with all the people God brings into my life. Soli Deo gloria!
***
My mom, Sue, was the first to introduce me to Jesus. She did this in two ways: by living her life with a personal relationship with Jesus and having several conversations with me about Jesus, sitting Indian style on her king-size bed. During one of those conversations, just my mommy and me, I made a decision that changed my life and heart forever.
I can still picture the bedroom – all browns, beiges, and avocado green circa the late 1970s! My mom and dad’s bed was near their bedroom door with nightstands on each side. Brownish-bronze lamps with beige lampshades graced each side table. A long, wooden mirrored dresser stood opposite the large window in their bedroom. I can picture it so clearly–like a Polaroid snapshot in time–because that moment changed my life forever. I made a personal dedication to Jesus that day, and I wanted Him to live in my heart forever. I was eight years old.
God used my mother’s relationship with Jesus to change my life many years ago–and ten years later, He would do the same thing again–although this defining moment brought me to my knees in a desperate way.
November 7, 1990, twenty-eight years ago today, (now 33 years ago when I first published this piece) my mother went Home to Jesus. She died three months after she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 39. I was only 18 years old, and my heart felt literally broken, like it could never be the same again.
If you know me and have read my blog, you know that I have touched on this several times. It is because this is the most significant life-changing moment in my life. God has used all of what I experienced through my mother’s death for His glory. He has taken every tear, heartache, and hurt and transformed them through His grace to joy, understanding, and love.
This journey since the loss of my mom has not been easy, but Jesus has never left my side, and He has shown me that He was with me then, and He is with me now! I have testimony after testimony of God’s guidance, provision, and presence during those difficult days and our journey together thus far. It has been my experience that:
“After the dust of a trial settles, we can see more clearly the footprints and fingerprints of God’s guidance, provision, and presence” (Crenshaw, Shanon 2015).
I cannot begin to tell you the number of times God has placed people in my life to share my testimony on this, and I love it because my light shines bright because of Him! All the glory to God! Don’t you love it when He transforms a hardship in your life in such a powerful way, and then He gives you the privilege of sharing His light and love with others? It’s incredible!! 🙂
I want to close with this. Time and time again, the scripture the Lord used the most in healing me was Psalm 139. He spoke life and peace to my heart by using the whole chapter at different times over the years. My favorite verse is: “…All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16. This particular verse has brought me so much peace. I love it. He is the God of all of my days.
**This post two of my mom’s favorite things. At the time of her death, her favorite song was “Friends” by Michael W. Smith. It continues to be one of mine and I think of her whenever I hear it. Also, my parents had a print of this picture of Jesus hugging someone coming Home hanging in our house when I was growing up. It now hangs in my bedroom, by the door, and I see it every time I go there.
Until we meet again, Mommy, with Jesus, your love and memory are in my heart daily!!
All the glory to God,
Shanon
Image of Coming Home to Jesus! Giant Hug! by Pinterest.
Image of Heaven in my Heart: A hug from Jesus by Heaven in my Heart blogstop.com
Image of Friends by Michael W. Smith by likesuccess.com
I don’t know about you, but I have read the Beatitudes several times and have been inspired and encouraged by the blessings listed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ message, to a large group of potential followers, is what it really means to follow Him and be a part of God’s kingdom. Of course, living up to these standards is possible only through faith in Jesus, the son of God, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, take the wheel
Shout out to Grandma Marji, Happy Birthday!! May 1st was her birthday and I sure do miss her wisdom and our very long phone conversations! I imagine her sitting on the golden steps of her mansion, healed from all the world’s afflictions, with the saints gathered all around her as she shares her story. “When I wake up in the Land of Glory, With the saints I will tell my story, There will be one name that I proclaim…” (Big Daddy Weave). Love you Grandma and we cherish your sweet memory. 🙂
Heaven Sent Sentiments 