Tomorrow I assist in a funeral for Carolyn Johnson, who used to be a member here. She and her husband, Odell, moved to Eutawville after they retired. Ive maintained contact, and even more so through their son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Melinda who moved back to Denmark a few years ago. This will be my seventh funeral Ive been involved with since the first of the year. Carolyn passed away on Saturday. , which happened to be the day that my wonderful friend, Patty Jones passed away last year. Joel, her husband, her three sons and daughter-in-law spent Saturday together in the mountains of Virginia remembering (and celebrating) Patty. I have known Joel since our days at Clemson, and was in his and Pattys wedding. Also over the weekend my friend, Randy Trail, called to say he was headed to Birmingham because his mom (87) was in ICU with pneumonia (she did get to a regular room today). I have known Randy since seminary and was in his wedding. Today, some more dear friends, Jeff and Miriam Payne, in Columbia, called to let me know that Jeffs dad died today in Virginia. And, yes, I was in Jeff and Miriams wedding, too. I mentioned the weddings only to show these are not just acquaintances...but lifelong brothers and sisters in Christ who are like family. I was struck how these three sets of very, very close friends are all going through significant struggles concerning their families. There are also many other significant periods of suffering and struggle some of my church members are going through now, too. Why am I writing this? To complain about so much sadness? Of course not....as I said before, its an honor to walk with people through difficult days. I guess Im writing to let you know that about 30 minutes ago a song that used to be contemporary, (you cant say that anymore as it was in the early 80s when it came out and if you click on the link, youll be able to tell!) came to mind. Its by a group I listened to a lot in my seminary days, Farrell and Farrell, and the song is To Know that Im Loved by You. I like F and Fs lyrics because they were (and are) so real, even about sadness. They still remind me that the best strategy in life, especially when life is sad is that LOVE WINS! IN a few weeks, well be celebrating the ultimate LOVE WINS example in our celebration of the resurrection of Christ! So remembering that song and finding the lyrics and the link encouraged me, so all this rambling is simple to encourage you (and me) by this simple fact that Christs love is real...the ultimate ACTING IN THE BEST INTEREST OF ANOTHER PERIOD!....SEE 1 JOHN 3:16 for verification! So, if you are struggling right now, and I know a lot of you who are, remember.....For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 Knowing Im loved by Father through Christ is what gets me through each day...with joy and gratitude that Father allows me this kind of life. So I hope you know youre loved, right now, too! I hope you draw as much strength and hope from that as I do. And to remind you....here are the lyrics to the song: Slowly but surely I came to myself Feeling my heart laid bare Seasons of sorrow had tainted my life Leaving my soul in despair There are so many seasons So many times When living is so hard to do Oh, in time I am learning All I really need Is to know that I’m loved by You When waves of sadness Wash over me When they cover me Lord, please shelter me With your love Slowly but surely I come to myself Sorrow has taken me far Knowing that choosing is all I can do To make my way back to Your heart There are so many seasons So many times When choosing is so hard to do Oh, but in time I am learning all I really need Is to know that I’m loved by You By You The link to the song: https://youtube/watch?v=_mmnG92coNU
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 04:05:31 +0000
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