After 100 years and 6 months of a life well lived, surrounded by loving family and ready to meet Jesus, my mother was buried yesterday next to my father and next to her mother.
One of the last things she said to me was, “ I Can’t Wait to See Jesus.“ She also said, “I am so proud of you Steve!“ It’s nice to say goodbye to your mother with no regrets.
We are now on our way to Israel with another sold out group. From our last trip we brought home an olive wood cross from Bethlehem. It traveled with us on the Via Dolorosa through Jerusalem, touched the top of Calvary and was also placed on the tomb of Christ.
That olive wood cross is in her hand in her casket. It’s a reminder not only of the resurrection of Jesus Christ but the resurrection of life for all of us who are followers of Him (John 5:28-29).
This is a picture of me at my mom’s casket explaining to one of our 19 grandchildren what death is and how Jesus conquered death and we have hope as an anchor of our souls. We can always use things like this as a teaching moments.
One last thought. The pagans used to bury the dead in an necropolis, the “city of the dead“. Christians deposited their dead in a cemetery (which means “sleeping place“).
And why did they view it as a deposit?
Well, you deposit money in the bank with what intent? To make a future withdrawal ! We deposit the dead in a sleeping place because Jesus is going to come back at the end of time and make a withdrawal!
This Post Has 4 Comments
Steve,
So sorry for your loss, but so inspired by such a beautiful lady and her attitude. She has certainly left the world a gift in you and your family. May God bless you and your family.
Blessings,
Bonnie
May She RIP. So Sorry For The Loss Of Your Mother Steve. God Bless All Your Wonderful Family and You.
God bless your mom and the family. I am sure she and your dad are celebrating, not only being together again but toasting each other over what a wonderful job they did in raising a family and giving the world a great apologist for the Church, they now know is true.
STEVE RAY HERE: Thanks Tom!
Sorry for your loss Steve, but I can see why your Mama was so proud of you. You have done a lot to bring Jesus to so many!! I’ll pray for your Mom’s fast entry into heaven!
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