Telling a new loved one, “hello, and welcome to the world!” is one of the happiest moments in life. One of the hardest moments in life is telling someone you cherish, “goodbye, I’ll be seeing you,” as they leave this world to enter their heavenly rest. On this earth, these two diametrically opposed emotions exist all too often in close proximity. I welcomed my first grandbaby girl, Antonia Grace, a few days ago. JOY! Then I learned of my friend Deborah’s passing into glory shortly after. Heartbreak.
Let me tell you some things about Deborah. She was a bright beam of Jesus’s light to all who came across her path. She was the matriarch of Resurgence Leadership Foundation. She led well. She propped up the other leaders in such a way that they were empowered to do more than they could do on their own, because she called on the power of God that raised Jesus from the dead. She carried you on her prayers in a way that you could feel, because she was grounded on the Rock of Ages. She brought light into a room because she was filled with Jesus’s Light. She encouraged you with the Hope of Jesus because she lived by that Hope – through sickness, through sorrow, through triumph and joy. Friday, Deborah received the “crown of Life” because she endured, and God promises that crown to all those who love Him (James 1:12).
Deborah isn’t here on earth anymore, but she is alive forever! And she will continue to challenge me every day to look:
Deborah will never meet Antonia this side of heaven, but Toni will know Deborah. If I’m not talking about her, I will be striving to be like her as I lead my granddaughter to the cross of Christ. There, Toni can lay it ALL down…and He will lift her up.
Deborah did her job. Psalm 112:1-2 says, “Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in His commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.” Deborah found delight in Jesus, and future generations will benefit from her faithfulness. In Philippians 3:17, the apostle Paul says, “Join with me in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have [the disciples] as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” Deborah was someone whose example I will try to follow, so that others can follow me to Jesus.
I will encourage Toni to keep her eyes on those who live out the good news of Jesus, just as Deborah did. The way Deborah lived, and even died, was with Jesus in her eyes, in her heart, and on her lips. It made a difference. It drew people to Jesus. And it will continue to, even without her physical presence. I want that kind of beacon for my kids. And for Toni. And for your kids and grands. And for whomever else we influence. Let’s strive to be that beacon. To God be the Glory, always, and until we are all reunited with Him.
