In my last
blog I wrote about the death of my 95-year-old mum. A few days ago, we held a service of thanksgiving
for her life. It was a truly uplifting
occasion, as we celebrated mum’s life, the person she was, and the precious
memories which she leaves in our hearts.
At the same time, there was a natural sadness at our loss.
Mum had indicated
her wishes for the service some time ago.
She had chosen the hymns and Bible readings, and also the members of the
family whom she wanted to take part in specific ways. She had indicated that she wanted me to read
one of the Bible passages (Psalm 84) and also to share a few words of testimony. I didn’t find it easy, as at times the emotion
of the occasion did touch me, but I was pleased to be able to fulfil mum’s wishes. Mum always said that the twin pillars of her
life were “my faith and my family”, and both elements were combined in the
service. It was a tribute to mum that all
her grandchildren (apart from four who are currently overseas) had travelled
from around the UK to be at the service.
I chose to
read Psalm 84 from a Bible which my mum and dad had given to me back in 1979 (I
think it may have been when I passed my final accountancy exams). Mum had written an inscription inside the
Bible, which included a Bible verse, Joshua chapter 1 verse 9:
‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong
and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord
your God will be with you wherever you go.’
That verse
has always been precious to me, especially during the tough times which I have
encountered over the years. During the past 10 months we have lost not only my
mum but also my much-loved younger brother, Phil. Phil’s death especially, at such a relatively
young age, was a rather bitter pill to swallow.
It seems that a significant number of people known to me are currently
experiencing really hard times, especially with health issues. I visited someone fairly recently who has
been experiencing a number of debilitating health conditions and as a
consequence was struggling in their faith.
Being a follower of Jesus does not exempt us from the hard times.
One of God’s
promises which we need to hang on to is found in Hebrews chapter 13 verse 5, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever
forsake you.’ Ney Bailey, in her
book “Faith is Not a Feeling” makes
the important point that, “The word never
does not convey the force of his statement.
In the original language the word used is called a “triple negative,”
and there is no single-word English equivalent.
In essence, God was saying, ‘I
will never, no never, no never leave you or forsake you.’”
A truth to cherish.
