Marilyn died yesterday. By all earthly logic, she should have glided through the Pearly Gates years ago.
It’s been nearly six years since I first met Marilyn, and by then, she was well into her eighth decade and a widow. She sported bilateral hearing aids, cruised with the aid of a metal walker, spoke with a gravelly voice, and survived multiple surgeries and bouts of cancer. Somewhere in the midst of her journey, she acquired a colostomy bag. Near the end, cancer claimed most of her nose.
Even before the last surgery, no one would cast blame if people chose to turn away from the ravages of injury and disease clearly on display. But when she spoke, everything changed. A smile lit her face like a thousand glowing candles, and Marilyn radiated beauty, grace, and love, leaving the listener bathed in purifying peace.
Most Sunday mornings, our conversations went something like this:
“Good morning. How are you today, Marilyn,” I asked.
“Richly blessed,” she replied.
“Thanks a good place to be.”
“Amen.”
Somewhere along the way, Marilyn became fast friends with her iPad and internet community, and even at the end, sought to record precious family memories. And she offered support and encouragement to this writer and her blogs.
I’ve never seen a person live out grace with less reason for it than my friend. I am forever changed. But I now face a question. Can I handle life like Marilyn? With God’s enabling, anything is possible. Perhaps the more poignant question . . . will I? That’s up to me. What about you?
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boost all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of God may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
God Bless You, Marilyn, and thank you.
Richly Blessed, Too, PJ copyright 2016 PJGover
PJ.Gover@yahoo.com
www. PJGover.com
Filed under: Practical Christianity Tagged: God's grace, Hope in God, living God's grace despite hardship, Trust God
