Happy Birthday in Heaven Mommy!
“Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.” (Psalm 31:24 MSG)
This verse, in this version, has so many memories for me. Every evening when I’d kiss my mom goodbye I’d whisper this verse in her ear. I think this verse was as much for me, as it was for her. You see, my mom was in the end stages of cancer and in a coma. I’d read devotionals to her daily and talk with her, telling her about my day, and how much she meant to me, and just thanking her for being my mom. It was also my way of releasing her into our Abba Father's care.
I don’t have any words as the memories saturate my heart and mind. On May 31, 2009, I said these words to her for the last time. God honored my heart’s desire for my mom, to go to sleep on earth, and wake up in heaven. On June 1st at 2:30 am I got the call that confirmed this.
God gave me His courage and strength to be my mom’s caregiver, to advocate for her, and not to give up no matter how hard the battle seemed. He gave my mom His courage and strength to walk through this journey in faith, peace, and total trust in Him, while being an example to me of a life well lived in Him. She didn’t panic when she received the diagnosis. She said, “Baby, I’m not afraid to die. I know Jesus and I know where I’m going." My mother faced death the same way she lived life, fearlessly, secure in Jesus.
In the end, God showed up and took her home. My mother and I lived this verse. And thinking about it can still reduce me to tears. I just didn’t see this coming.
On May 1st, about 2 weeks before my mom went into a coma she and I were sitting on her bed and she told me, "I see Jesus!" I said, where, because I wanted to see Him too. I asked her, are you going with Him? She said, "No, not right now, but soon." That's when I knew I had to release her. It was soon after this that God gave me this verse. I told her, mommy, the next time you see Jesus, you can go with Him. I'm going to be alright, and you're going to be alright.
I've never forgotten this conversation!
She now has no more struggles. No more pain. Living a life of continual praise and worship in the presence of Almighty God.
I love you mommy and still miss you. I have peace because I know where you are and that I will see you again.
Happy Birthday in Heaven Mommy!
Be Encouraged! ❤