My legs feel weak,
My heart slows down,
But even with my last few breaths,
I praise the Lord.
For He gave me strength when I had none.
He gave me hope when there was none.
He made music when no harps or lyres could be heard.
He set us free when the strongest chains were on
our arms and feet.
Let us dance for the glory of God.
(Lil Bit, February 2011)
Last night, my husband's grandfather, Ol' Pappy, met God face to face. He was an incredible man who lived 90 years on this earth. His integrity, sense of humor, and devotion to his family were evident throughout his life.
But more than that, his legacy as a servant and child of God, as a faithful ambassador of Jesus Christ, will live on both in the memories we have of him and in the lives that he has touched.
I see this rich heritage lived out in the life of my husband daily.
I see the quiet faithfulness in my mother-in-law each time I talk to her.
I see an authentic faith developing in my daughters.
And I pray that my son, who is Ol Pappy's namesake, will follow this same road.
If you are not a Christ-follower, the idea of truly knowing you will live in heaven may seem arrogant or absurd. But the Bible says that "if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation." (Romans 10:9-10) A few pages earlier, we are told everyone sins and that what we get from sin is death--we cannot get to heaven by our own behavior because none of us are good enough--but that what God FREELY gives us through Jesus is eternal life. (Romans 3:23 and 6:23)
I am so thankful to have known this man, to be a part of his family, to share in his legacy. And even though he will be deeply missed, I can rejoice in the fact that he is now home, he is healed, he is whole. And one day I will join him there and I, too, will see not only my loved ones, but my Savior face to face.
What a day that will be!
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4 comments:
It has been such a blessing and honor to know O'Pappy.
My heart goes out to your family.
I have read this blog on Ol Pappy over and over-- it is such a tribute and something to encourage us to live more Christlike. Lil Bit's "psalm" is beautiful!
Love, Moppy
I loved reading this, even though the circumstances are sad. It does inspire us to live mre Christian-like, especially when the going gets tough.
You are blessed to be part of such an amazing family.
You have my prayers!!!
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