Wednesday, July 30, 2008

mercy



Early in June, my friend Jane who had been diagnosed with ALS back in December went to be with the Lord. He was exceedingly gracious in that she had three things she asked from Him after her diagnosis. She wanted to live until her daughter's wedding, she wanted to die at home, and she didn't want to lose her voice.

She died several days after her daughter's wedding, at home, and was able to speak until the morning of the day she died. I am profoundly moved by God's mercy. He answered her three prayers in a beautifully affirming way. Whenever I think about it, I am moved and then I realize that those who do no believe in God would be a appalled because the fact of Jane's disease is proof enough to them that He is not a God of mercy.

God is merciful and that is enough for me.

But all the wickedness in the world which man may do or think is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal dropped in the sea. Madeleine L'Engle/William Langland

6 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:25 PM

    God bless you in your grief. I totally understand, and am so grateful that the Lord answered her prayers. How totally cool.

    But this still makes me cry.

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  2. Words elude me. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  3. Melissa ~ Your words and Jane's life are a beautiful testimony to the goodness of God. Remembering the poems you posted early this year about Jane .. I think of her now .. gracefully moving about, singing, dancing, worshiping - no longer chained by her disease. I am so sorry for her family's loss and for your loss, but I do rejoice for Jane.

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  4. How beautiful. Sad. But beautiful.

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  5. What beautiful thoughts of your friend Jane...She is now in a beautiful, healthy body...Singing with Jesus..waiting for her loved ones to join her one day!!!

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  6. A dear friend of mine died a few weeks ago of the same thing, though she was not nearly so blessed and her mind went first with her voice quickly following. What a blessing that your friend's prayers were answered in such a beautiful way. God is good.

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