As some of you may know my Grandmother went to be with Jesus 2 days ago. She had a stroke about 12 years back and the Lord saw fit to call her to be with Him now. She was 93 years old.
What most of you may not know is that I was able to fly to Chicago last week and spend 7 days with her. About 2 weeks ago the Lord spoke to my husband and told him I should go see my grandmother. Since the plan was always to go back to America when she actually passed away this was never an option. Frankie asked me to pray about it, and I did.
As I prayed the Lord made it very clear that I should go. The Lord spoke two things to my heart. First He said “Go see her while she is alive because when she dies she will be with me.” then “This is a gift I’m giving to you, your mother, and your Grandmother. She wants to see you.” Needless to say we booked tickets shortly after.
I was not expecting my Grandmother to look the way that she did. She was literally skin and bones. Her eyes seemed hazy and seemed to look right past me. But, I believed in my heart that the Lord sent me, so I had faith that she knew I was there. So, every night I would go in and sing to her while I rubbed her face and brushed my fingers through her hair. I prayed over her and told her to go be with Jesus.
Day after day as I watched my mother turn her mother on her side to avoid more bed soars, spoon feed her, and serve her my heart filled with so much love for both of these women. Each one has exemplified what selfless love looks like. Each has given their life for the other. One a single mother who worked and raised two beautiful daughters on her own, helped raise her grandchildren, cooked, cleaned ,and cared for the one in front of her. The other stopping school to help provide for her mother and sister, worked since she was a teen, raised two children, a good wife to one amazing man, and dropped everything to care for her ailing mother. Both selfless.
My heart knew that my gift was not only time, but their legacy. As I sat with my mother I told her this very humbling truth, if I could be half the woman my grandmother was I would be happy. Now as I sit in my home remembering all the things my eyes and heart witnessed and felt that week I feel this overwhelming sense of responsibility to steward this gift and give it to my children one day.
The gift of Christlikeness. The ability to lay down ones life for their friends. To be hidden away in your home. To be faithful to what the Lord has called them to even though it seems like they’re doing nothing. To love everyone who walks through their doors. To serve and love with all they have. To glorify God with each service. This legacy is my gift.
I am so grateful that the Lord loves me so much He sent me to Chicago when He did. He is so sweet. He knew what my heart needed more than I did. He gave me the ability to say goodbye and to love on her just a little bit more. There is true peace and joy knowing that she is with our sweet and loving God and she is free to sing and walk in His presence.
