From the very beginning
You were my friend
You knew what it meant
To love without end

When I messed my life up
And did all that was wrong
Still you were my friend
Still you stayed strong

You knew that God's hand
Was still on this life
And you trusted in Him
Through all of my strife

You never gave up
Never turned me away
God honoured your faith
And I am His today

My Mum, My Friend

My Mum was always my best friend. I have fond memories of her playing with me in the sandpit, helping me through my school years and trusting God through my bad years. Her love for me was always there and never wavered. She was my rock.

When I found God in 1978 our relationship was amazing. We shared the things of God and talked many long hours. Jesus became my rock and our relationship was greater because of it.

The Stroke

Mum had a stroke which left her paralised down one side of her body and without speech. It was with sorrow that we put her into a rest home, but we knew that they would be able to care for her much better than we could. I think she had more visitors every day than anyone else there. I remember one time she wanted a cushion behind her back, and without having any speech and having limited movement, all she could do was sort of grunt and nod her head in the direction of the cushion. I didn't understand what she wanted and she got frustrated. We both looked at each other and laughed. She eventually got the cushion.

Her health was slipping away and I feel convinced that medication deprived her of a lot of years.

Nearing the End

Mum must have known that her time here was nearing an end. I remember seeing the look of apprehension on her face. I prayed that God would show her where she was going to so that her fears would be put to rest. I'm sure others were praying that too.

My sister and Dad both related the story to me later. Mum suddenly tried her hardest to sit up in bed as she gazed up in amazement. Her eyes were wide with awe as she looked all around above her. In spite of her loss of speech, she was heard to say "home, home" over and over again. She saw where she was going and soon after left us not just with peace, but with amazing joy. Knowing that she had that vision has been a great comfort and reassurance to us.

My Dad and my brother were with her at the end. I had to travel out of town that day and just knew that I had to look in on her before I left. I'm so glad that I did because it was the last time I saw her alive. She passed from this life to be with our Father in Heaven on 7 September 2002.

I praise God for His awesome grace that was extended to my mum and have much comfort in knowing that I will see her again.

Death, where is your sting?

1Co 15:51 Behold, I speak a mystery to you; we shall not all fall asleep, but we shall all be changed;
1Co 15:52 in a moment, in a glance of an eye, at the last trumpet. For a trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall all be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 But when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and when this mortal shall put on immortality, then will take place the word that is written (Scripture), "Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?"
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the Law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 15:58 So that, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not without fruit in the Lord.

The passing and funeral of one who has died in Christ is joyous because of the assurance we have of the resurrection in newness of life.

Those who pass from this life without Christ have good cause to grieve. Their loss is twofold as, not only is the life taken from them, but they do not go to be with the Lord, and death does indeed hold a sting.

If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, go to this page to learn more about God's great plan for your life.

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