"You've been working so hard all these years. My sister said that rest is good and rest is godly. Take hold of it. Go and don't worry about what you leave behind. The Lord is able to take care of that." These were the words I whispered to the ears of a devoted single mom and dear friend the night she went home to the Lord.
As I walked down to the parking lot of the hospital, I knew that it would not be long. Tears fell from my eyes as I realized that I had began to miss her already. I earnestly prayed that just as she had been given the grace to live a full life, I knew even if I witnessed her fierce battle with cancer, how she withstood the pain, and even if she continued to struggle with every breath as if wanting to stay longer, that somehow, she would be given the grace to go home.
It was my first time to come alongside a friend who was suffering physically. I was so hesitant, not knowing if I could really be there for her. But as I prayed for her, the Lord put a burden in my heart to call her and visit her and just to confirm that, I would receive a text message from her requesting to see me. And knowing her, she would rarely ask. There were times I felt so helpless, so inadequate to encourage her and give her strength. There were times I wish I was just not there. But there were times I drew inspiration from her. How she faced her situation with courage, drawing spiritual food from inspirational music and Scripture. (That was her way of life. She did not only draw near to the Lord because she was sick but she had made Him her priority long before that.) Her body was weak but her Spirit was strong standing on every promise of our Lord. There was no trace of bitterness in her. No complaint whatsover. None at all.
As her situation worsened, more and more I realized how this body we have is but a shell, a container that we leave behind. What mattered was the inner person. How she remained a blessing despite her illness! She even sang to me a truth that I needed to hear myself, "His Strength is perfect, but ours is not." What a testimony! How His power was indeed made perfect in her weakness.
Though I will miss her, I know she is radiant now. Victorious and free. Yes, she is totally free of cancer, delivered from it's pain and sorrow. If I could only see her now, what a prize that would be! With a glorious crown on her head, and that familiar excited grin on her face as she takes hold of eternal rest. Her once dehydrated legs that I affectionately applied lotion to would be deliciously tanned, skipping and dancing on the streets of gold! Loved, overwhelmingly loved is what she would be feeling and not a second would go by that she would not know that.
For a time, I had hoped that we could still share answers to her deepest longings and prayers, but I knew very well that all her longings are fulfilled in Christ, her Savior. Her Greatest Lover, who has undoubtedly received her with a trimphant embrace. Mission accomplished. As a friend said and I agree, "She is Heaven's gain!"
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