Grief
A few months ago, I attended a wake for the grandmother of two friends of mine. Actually, the family to which those two brothers belong has been an extraordinary blessing to my wife and I. So, it grieved me to hear that they had lost a precious member of their family (one I had not had the pleasure of meeting).
Indeed, the family grieved terribly, for they knew her. Many of this woman's grandchildren spoke of her, and spoke in glowing terms. Tears were shed, memories cherished, even a few smiles popped out as one or more of her progeny experienced a particularly warm remembrance of their Halmane (Korean for grandmother).
Yet, I walked away from the night more encouraged than saddened. For in the midst of the grieving, a joy could be seen in the hearts of those who knew her, a joy that arose because of the spirit this woman displayed. In her, the Spirit of God dwelt and the tales of her courage, patience, wisdom, and gentleness were evidence of it.
But most of all, I came away from this night with hope. Hope because not all ending must be final now, for Jesus has risen that we may, too. I also find hope in the legacy that this woman left behind, a legacy that consists of the family she left behind, a family bursting with people who love the Lord and show the same Spirit she did.
Lastly, I feel hope because I know that someday I will get to know better my own grandmother (my Oma, German for grandmother) who displayed the same gentle loving spirit this woman did. To my sorrow, I never got to know my Oma very well.
She died in 1996, more than 4 years before I was saved. Oma I loved for her cooking, for her kindness, and for her peaceful presence, but mostly because she was Oma. I never did know, while she was here on earth, the source of that kindness, gentleness, and peacefulness, Jesus Christ. Yet my brother assures me that her faith was as deep-rooted and secure as a mountain. Oh, Oma, how I wish I knew you now, that I might share our joy in Him with you, that I might know you more fully!
Most of all, though, I pray to know Him more fully. In doing so, I will make good the legacy Oma left here on earth, as 'Halmane's' descendants make good her legacy. Thank you, Lord, for bringing these special people into our lives, tangible examples of the hope that dwells in You.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 1050 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by John Okulski or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 1050 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.