I have been thinking about when I had Mrs. Black for prayer-share my senior year. I remember her encouraging me when I asked for prayer not knowing where I was going to go to college or how I was going to pay for it. She told me about the Israelites when they left Egypt and were crossing the Red Sea. The Lord did not part the waters as soon as they were approaching the Red Sea; they camped at the water's edge as they heard the Egyptians getting closer. It was not until God told Moses to put his staff in the water that the sea parted. She told me "God is never late." And I have never forgotten that. When I cannot understand a situation or how the outcome could possibly be good - I remember "God is never late."
During the funeral today, we sang each of the kids selections for "Mommy's favorite". Just walking in, realizing the fact that I am really standing here for the memorial service of these children's mother - made afresh the wave of emotions. The auditorium was packed with people even sitting in the back in chairs. So many who were her students came. The choir led the congregation in singing "It is Well" - Kyla's choice. I mouthed the words with tears streaming down my face. Then Josh's choice was "Complete in Thee" brought back memories of when I sang it for the first time when we were still visiting Bible, and I joined the teen choir/assemble. "Beneath the Cross" "God and I" and many others, each song spoke directly to our hearts. Mr. Black shared the stories behind their choices, and each one described a part of her. While I do not pretend to understand what they are feeling, I know what God's peace past understanding feels like. Kyla told me how they laughed at funny pictures while picking out ones for the slideshow with her siblings. You hold on to each memory, but then it hits you how short life is. We are not promised tomorrow. What legacy am I creating? What is really important in life? Do I take the opportunities I have to tell family how much I love them or others why I have hope? Mrs. Rossiter shared how Mrs. Black had "spread" and "stirred" up others' lives like a spatula. She spread her love for music, art, family and stirred others to be genuine, speak kindly, express loyal devotion, love family, challenge potential, encourage others, live simply & smile.
How can we say that our God is good when things like this happen? Because of the verse she had in her living room painted on the wall "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe". God does nothing unkind, nothing is a surprise to Him; instead, He opened His arms and told her "welcome home". Why would God take a mommy from her four children? As Mr. Black said, "We are not asking why. We are just trusting God, and He is good".
Our hearts also ache for the grieving family she left behind. We sang song after song - the Lord knew that it was what we needed. He knows our pain. He feels our burdens and wants to carry us through every trial, every day. He loves us deeper than we can comprehend. It is all easy to say, but when our feelings falter and emotions are confusing - these are the truths we must remind ourselves of. When all else is unknown, and when the world feels like it is turned upside down, we cling to the Rock of our Foundation. He is the comfort to the hurting, the peace that passeth understanding, the joy that follows mourning.