We Grieve With Hope

Yesterday, my husband and I attended the funeral of a wonderful man of God. I had only spoken a few words to this man, but he meant a lot to my husband.

The service was more like a praise and worship service. There were no funeral dirges--only songs that lifted up the name of Jesus. And the spoken messages were encouraging as well.

I was seated almost in front and could see the face of this man's wife. She has such a gentle strength about her. I could tell she was "enjoying" this tribute to her husband and her Lord. There were tears of course, but also laughter and many "Amen's" and the speakers spoke of this gentleman and his relationship with the Lord and desire to make the salvation message known to all who were in earshot.

I could go on and on. But one of the best things about being a Christian is being able to grieve w/hope and the expectation of seeing our loved one on the "other side".

One song came to my mind when I heard of his death. He had always battled illness, but he's free from this body of clay.

If you could see me now,
I'm walking streets of gold
If you could see me now
I'm standing tall and whole
If you could see me now
You'd know I've seen his face
If you could see me now
You'd know the pain's erased
You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place
If you could see me now.

We'll see you soon, Dr. Walters!

Please keep the family in prayer!