We were baffled here on earth;however, God in heaven was carrying out His master plan. On the morning of July 31, 2006, an angel came to visit Sandy and carried her to her eternal home. Here on earth, we are sad. We miss her. She was survived by her two children and three grandchildren in whom will carry on this lovely lady's legacy. Melinda said that she has big shoes to fill. She does indeed. I asked my Mom, "Why did God take Miss Sandy? "She exuded joy". Here on earth, joy is scarce,but in Heaven joy is abounding. Here on earth, we are weeping and mourning the loss of a precious mother and friend. In heaven, they are rejoicing.
At Sandy's funeral, my best friend's dad who is the preacher of that church, read from Miss Sandy's beloved book, the Bible. It had been well read. He read a message that she had jotted down in the margin. He read, "My quest for joy ends with Jesus". She had a heart that was totally at peace with God. Mr. Winter spoke of Miss Sandy with high regard. "She had a special way of tapping into the emotional hurts of others". She certainly did. She has helped and supported me immeasurably in all that I ever did or could imagine. She was one of my biggest fans. She will truly be missed until the day that we see each other again in heaven.
In my own selfishness, it is hard to lose someone who unwaveringly cheered me on and was always in my corner. I was saddened when I suddenly realized that Miss Sandy who was like a second mom to me, would not be here to celebrate my wedding day or the birth of my children. I would have loved for her to be here for all of that. I cannot help, but think that losing Miss Sandy would have been made a little easier had she been here to offer her inner strength. She was full of life and vitality. She had many friends and she never met a stranger. Her door was always open. She always had time to listen and pray with anyone. She was a rare person who willingly gave of herself. Hebrews 13:2 says, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it". She lived out "The Great Commission". Matthew 28:20 says, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of th Son and of the Holy Spirit, and leading them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age".
Now she has had the sunset of her life. Her brilliant colors have been left behind to comfort us. She led an exemplary life. She has and always will be someone who I will always deeply admire and highly respect. She seemed to take everything in stride. 2 Timothy 4:7 says, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept my faith". I just finished reading, "One Tuesday Morning" by Karen Kingsbury and as I was reading I thought about Miss Sandy because the book's theme is how one life can profoundly affect another even through death. Miss Sandy profoundly affected my life in so many ways.
The last time I ever saw her, she was lying in a hospital bed hooked up to machines and my Mom let her know that I was there to visit. She opened her eyes and smiled at me. I am waiting for a rush of good memories. There are many times when Miss Sandy has been there for me sympathizing with my struggles and rejoicing in my triumphs. Her earthly body is in its final resting place, but her spirit is with the Lord. Phillippians 1:21 says, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain". She has left her imprint on many hearts. Once someone wrote anonymously, "Some people come into our lives, leave footprints in our hearts, and we are never ever the same". This quote so reminds me of Miss Sandy. Her legacy lives on, here on earth. I know without a shadow of a doubt, she has gone to her mansion in the sky. She is walking on the streets of gold with glad jubilation praising God Almighty and entertaining angels.
I know that Miss Sandy would have liked for us to remember her in life instead of death. This song shows that death does not have to have the final word. She lived a life that was completely sold out for Jesus Christ and now she is in heaven enjoying eternal life victoriously.
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2 comments:
Beautiful...Leah, you have such a way with words. Loved the scriptures that backed up your thoughts.
Dying is a part of life but it's not the end. It is a fulfillment. A time when your work here is done and to rest for the glory that is ahead.
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