INSPIRASUNS

Over the past few days, you all have been answering the call to help with lifting prayers for a friend of mine and his sister. Rick’s sister was dealing with some major health issues this past week. I won’t share all of the details out of respect for Rick, just know that it was a difficult time, with difficult decisions to be made.

Jill walked into the arms of Jesus as He escorted her home yesterday. It’s always such a difficult time for those of us who remain here when our loved ones leave for their eternal home. Jesus knows our pain; He himself suffered it when His friend Lazarus died. He knows the feeling of loss, he knows the grief, and He is there always to provide comfort.

As I was receiving text messages yesterday about Jill, through all of the condolences and prayers for peace, there were a few comments that have stayed with me. Rick’s wife shared initially, “Jill passed away peacefully”. Isn’t that what matters, that our loved ones walk peacefully into the arms of Jesus? That should bring us comfort through the pain that we feel.

The next thing Rick’s wife shared, shortly after they arrived at the hospital to see Jill, “She said her name and gave a thumbs up”. This too brings comfort in knowing that she was aware of their presence.

Lastly, Rick’s wife shared after her passing, “It was so difficult to see her this way”, meaning the tubes, monitors, all the things you can imagine in a critical care unit.

As I thought about the past few days and the process Rick and his family went through, the words that came to mind are, thanking Jesus is enough. We don’t need many more words than to simply say, “Thank you, Jesus, for bringing Jill through the pain to glory with you”. “Thank you, Jesus, for being with Rick and his family, providing the strength and clarity to make difficult decisions”.

Friends, we all face those moments of loss in our lives. Some losses are more difficult than others. Through those losses, leaning into the love of Jesus may be all we have. Thanking Jesus during those times is enough. Let Him fill your heart with His peace and love, and let Him have the pain.

Thank you, friends, for your prayers this week. Please continue to lift them for Rick and his family as they say their final goodbyes to Jill.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.