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| Bobbie Heaton, 1924 - 2012 |
Precious in the sight of the Lord Is
the death of His godly ones.
This
is not a subject that I often sidestep, and as a pastor I have had the honor to
being with many families in one of the most difficult times in life. When a loved one dies is not an easy or
pleasant time, but it is important that we understand it from God’s
perspective.
Monday
was not the easiest of days. The call
came to our office at church that a friend of ours that we have been helping
passed away sometime early Monday. Larry
has battled addiction and difficult situations for many years, and his death
was a shock to all of us. Yet I remember
a couple months ago having a great conversation with Larry about his
faith. He not only believed in God, but
his faith was solid. Larry is in heaven
because of the promises of God. His
addiction and even battle with depression was too much to handle. I do ask that you pray for Larry’s family.
Monday
was also the day that my grandmother, Bobbie Heaton, went to heaven as
well. As I write this I am sitting in
parent’s living room in Tulsa, Oklahoma after driving the 1,100 miles from
Virginia to here in under 24 hours. My
mom is also sitting with me in the room.
She has struggled with my grandmother’s health for a few months, and
grandma’s death is a blessing even though it is hard.
Grandma
Bobbie and my aunt moved into our home when I was very young, and she has lived
with my parents for well over 30. I have
very few memories that don’t include my grandma. She could be difficult and loved to argue,
but I want the world to know that one of the most precious people in the world
left the planet this week.
This
lady believed in me. Every time I saw her
she would say, “I love my boy.” Her
words were affirming and so full of love.
My wife shared a story with me today of how she and my grandma would go
for a walk 15 some years ago and share stories.
Julie says that grandma Bobbie made her feel like she was one of the
most important people in the family. She
was kind and sweet. She will be
missed. She spoke life into the family
that she loved so much, and she believed the best in us and for us.
I now
turn my attention to pray even more for my mom and dad as they have cared for
grandma all these years. She had only
been sick a few months. When I was very
young, I remember grandma had cancer, ovarian cancer I believe, and she had surgery
that completely healed her body. Other
than some problems with her eyes, grandma was very healthy until this past
spring.
When
grandma passed away Monday evening, there was peace. There was peace evident in her body, and
there was peace evident in my family.
Death is painful. Sometimes death
comes in tragedy or in horrible ways.
Sometimes there is great suffering and pain. And at other times there seems to be a fading
away. Grandma Bobbie faded away. It wasn’t always easy as her mind was
slipping and her health was declining, but I am so glad that I got to spend a
few days with her earlier this month. I
wouldn’t give any thing for those days.
I also believe with all my heart that the conversations we had about
heaven only a couple weeks ago became reality on Monday evening. There was a reunion between loved ones. Grandma met Jesus first thing. I take joy, comfort and even excitement in
that fact.
Death
is difficult, but Jesus prepared this situation for those who know Him. Heaven and hell are real, and we need to know
that we know Jesus. This is why He died
on the cross for us. He forgives our
sin, He gives us meaning while we live, and He gives us the promise of eternal
life with Him. Heaven is prepared for
God’s family.
I will
spend the rest of this week sharing some stories and sharing about heaven, but
I start with this post sharing with you that I will miss my grandma. Yet I will see her again because I will go to
heaven one day too.
Pray
for my family. Again, pray for Larry’s
family as well. May God give us great
amounts of peace as we claim the promise that each of has to deal with death,
and praise God He has dealt with it for us already.
In My Father's house are many dwelling
places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place
for you.
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