This past week, God gave our family two new lives over which to rejoice. On Wednesday, our son’s wife gave birth to their first child, a son. He is a beautiful, healthy boy and we are so very thankful.
Then on Saturday, my mother finally won her battle with Alzheimer’s when God called her home to eternal life in heaven. And although we grieve that she is no longer with us, we also rejoice that her real life has begun.
The Giver of Two New Lives
God is the creator and giver of life. He forms the child in the womb. (For more on this, see “What Does the Bible Say about Life in the Womb?“) And He also knows the length of our lives here on earth. (See Psalm 139:16 and Job 14:5.) Yes, God gives physical life. He miraculously forms our bodies and gives us with the very breath of life. But God also gives spiritual life.
Praise God, He did not create us just for life on this broken earth. God created us for eternity. We are physical AND spiritual beings with capacity to relate to our Creator. Our bodies are merely temporary tents for our souls. (For more about our need for a Savior and God’s merciful provision for salvation see “How to Know Jesus.”)
My mother’s physical tent was beyond repair. Her body and mind were ravaged by a cruel disease. We have been grieving her loss for years now. But my mother had a saving relationship with Jesus. So, we have been waiting for God to fulfill His promise to her of new life. We have been longing for her suffering to end and for her glorious eternity with her Savior to begin. Now she is home.
Thoughts of Heaven
The past few days I’ve thought a lot about Mom’s home going. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about heaven and what it will be like for us. Perhaps that’s because it’s so wonderful, our limited minds could not comprehend the description. But Scripture does tell us there will be no more pain. No more grief.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4, ESV
On the night He was arrested, Jesus told His disciples that our “Fathers’ home” (aka “heaven”) has many rooms. Jesus also said He was going to prepare a place for those who belong to Him. (See John 14:1-2.) There is a place, a room for my Mom in heaven. Maybe even a “mansion?”
My parents used to sing together often – at church and at home. My mom had a lovely alto voice and my dad a sweet tenor. One duet I particularly remember signing was “I’ve Got a Mansion.” Mom would sit at the piano in our living room and play. Dad would stand behind her and together they would sing:
“I’ve got a mansion, just over the hilltop. In that bright land where, we’ll never grow old. And some day yonder, we will never more wander. But walk on streets that are purest gold.”
Today Mom is clothed in her resurrection body and enjoying her heavenly home. Her mind is restored. Her beautiful voice is praising her Savior. Can’t wait to join in Mom. See you later.
Such a beautiful article Kathy.
It brought tears to my eyes. Just the other day I also was saying that I can’t wait to get to heaven to be with my Mum and Dad. They were both believers.
Yes, I am so thankful that we have a sure hope of seeing them again!
So sad to hear of your loss of Margaret, but rejoicing in her victory!!! She and your Dad both were such inspirations to James ( my late husband) and I . James having grown up as neighborhood friends with Margaret. She was such a loving friend to us both.
Congratulations on your new grandbaby!! Love Dot Bayne
Thank you for your kind words Mrs. Bayne. She loved you!
Beautiful. Sending love and hugs and prayers to you all.
Beautiful. Miss her.
so beautiful. so poignant. i can see them singing together! i rejoice with you in the new life on both ends of the spectrum Kathy. thankful your dear mom is at peace and you have a new baby in the family. thank you for your ministry and your friendship!
I miss you dear friend!
I am sorry that your mother is no longer here, but at least you can rejoice that she is in heaven with Jesus. My husband of 58 years is no longer here, but home with Jesus, which happened last February. How wonderful you have a new grandson! He can be a blessing, too.
So beautiful!
Your peace is a living witness to all of us. Congratulations on the new grandbaby.
Thanks, Kathy! Beautifully written! I will be keeping you all in my prayers! Your Mom is whole again and dancing with your Dad!!! ❤️
A beautiful post, Kathy. My husband’s parents sang the same song together in church as well. She sang alto and he sang bass. They, too, are singing in heaven.
Congratulations on the grandbaby. What joy he will bring to the family!