| Psalm 62:5-6 – “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken.” |
In early November of 2021, my mother was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. The disease spread rapidly, and she passed away February 17, 2022, just two months short of her 91st birthday. But despite excruciating pain and the loss of all ability to care for herself, she never once lost her faith in God, or her anticipation of an eternity spent with him.
During the last few days of her life, she faded in and out of the ability to speak and to understand what was said to her. Each of my siblings and most of her grandchildren were able to spend time with her, either in person or over the phone. But before she faded away completely, she raised her hands toward heaven and said, “I see HIM! I see all the forgiven ones!” She asked one of my nieces to sing with her, and my mother (who was NOT a singer) boldly (and on key!) sang “Blessed Assurance” and “The Doxology” with a clear, strong voice. Some of her last words were “Thank you Lord for welcoming me into your Kingdom,” and “I’m ready to go home to Heaven.” Her unwavering hope and faith were an example for all of us.
Hope for the future, a glorious future with him in heaven, even during the darkest shadows of death: That is what is available to all of us. As the famous old hymn states, “My hope is in the Lord, who gave himself for me, and paid the price of all my sin at Calvary. For me he died; for me he lives. And everlasting life and light he freely gives.”
Prayer: Dear Heavenly father, thank you for the hope you give each of us: hope for comfort here on earth and hope for an eternity in your presence. Thank you for the lessons of hope we can learn from others. Amen
– Betty Gossell
