Early Sunday morning, my dad passed through death into the glorious presence of the Lord.
His faith became sight.
And we grieve. But not without hope.
For he is Home with our Good Shepherd and King.
Truly resting.
In peace.
John 11:25
This past week, as Dad moved into hospice care at my brother and sister-in-law’s home, we brought a few things to place near his bed.
One was a favorite piece of artwork. A decoupage of John 11:25 my little sister made when she was in elementary school.
It reminded her of our sister, Ann. Ann passed away at age 11, when Julie was only 5.
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies…’” (John 11:25).
He calls us Home
After Ann died, when I couldn’t sleep, my dad came and prayed with me. Reminded me that the Lord is with us. He never leaves or forsakes us.
The next day, he took me to the hospital to see Ann’s body. We talked about how it was only an empty shell now. She was no longer suffering. But resting in the Lord’s presence.
I think about that now. Thankful for a dad who helped me grieve. Who reminded me what is true in God’s Word. And taught me about walking by faith in this world.
Until He calls us Home.
Related
No ordinary life – Loss – Faithfulness – The long obedience – In memory – Sorting memories – John 11:25-26 – 1 Peter 2:24-25 – Galatians 2:20 – Romans 8:31-39 – John 14:1-6 – John 14:27 –
32 replies on “Home”
Praying for you and John and Julie and all the family. I love you!
Thank you. Love you!
Praying for you, dear Susan, as you grieve the loss of your dad. It’s hard on girls to lose their daddy, even when we know they are with Jesus. Praying for you in these hard days.
Thank you, sister.
Praying for all of you. What a treasure and great reminder – thankful for John 11:25 – and knowing that your Dad is resting in the Lord’s presence along with Ann and your mom. So thankful the Lord is with us and never leaves us or forsakes us!
Amen. He is our ever-present help!
Beautifully written as always. I have loved stories of your childhood and how your parents nurtured your faith through difficult circumstances. Praying for your family
Thank you so much.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Praying for you and your family.
Thank you!
We are so sorry about your loss, but thankful for your dad’s new home. Praying for you and your family and grateful you were gathered at your brother’s home.
Thank you.
Beautiful expression of the grief and hope of losing a believing loved one. Praying for all of you as you walk through this time of grief.
Thank you, Mary!
This is beautiful. Your parents were very special to us. They were some of the first we met at the IMB. Praying for y’all as you grieve and celebrate his life. Love you all.
Thank you, sister. Love you!
We are praying for your family, Susan. Thank you for sharing truth and hope as you remember your Dad.
Thank you, Brian.
Praying for you all as you walk through significant time of loss. What an amazing example and testimony to the One your father served so faithfully. His faithfulness no doubt has encouraged you throughout your faithful journey. May His kind Spirit bring you deep peace on this road.
Thank you, brother.
Death is so hard, but the Holy Spirit helps us. I lost my sister when she was 20 and later both of my parents. I Know I will see them again one day!
Amen. He is our ever present Help!
You and your entire family are in our prayers as you grieve the loss of your dad. He was one of the main ones we talked to when we considered transferring from Zambia to Thailand. We loved your dad and mom. May His comfort and peace abound in these difficult days as you grieve his passing. We love you!
Thank you for sharing this, Cooky. Love you!
These verses come to mind—The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup. He holds my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Indeed I have a beautiful inheritance. — Indeed you have a beautiful inheritance. Hope in times of comfort. Love and prayers for you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful truth from His Word. love you.
Suz, I’m grateful today for the promise of eternity with our Lord, and that our parents brought us up in such loving homes where we have a hope and a future. I’m praying that you find comfort in the fact your earthly Father gave you a vision and assurance of what your Heavenly Father’s love for you must be like. Love you ! Kerri
Beautiful. Thank you, Kerri. I love you!
So sorry for your loss but rejoice that your precious father is with the Lord and we will see our Lord and Savior and our dads along with loved ones one glorious day. Prayers and hugs, Woody and Lynn Thigpen
Thank you!
Susan – I have always loved how you express yourself in writing and it is a blessing to so many. Praying for you as you grieve the loss but rejoice that your father is with his heavenly Father. Love you so much.
Thank you, sis. Love you!