On Grief, Death, Hope and Comfort

In the "classroom setting," I was told that grief comes in layers.  Practically applied, this means when you thought you were "over something," and UP the grief comes again....... That is NORMAL grieving.

Ironically, even a happy occasion can bring up old grief.  A very happy occasion brought up a storm of grief in me once upon a time. Years prior, I had spent my university freshman year, spring break vacation at a hospital, sitting with my best friend cousin, who died 3 months later.  She left behind a 18 month old beautiful baby girl. 

God did not see fit to heal Sheri in the here and now.  He healed her in Heaven.  She even died with a slight smile on her face (as a tear rolled out of one eye).  How blessed we were, to have that....And God answered our next prayer and gave her widowed husband an angel of a second wife who was an angel of a mother to our Jean Anne.

It was Jean Anne's beautiful wedding day, that sent me over the edge.  

I was truly happy for her, and grateful for the wonderful blessings God gave us............ but I hurt all over again, for loosing Sheri, for the grief that Sheri wasn't with us on this day, for what she had missed here on earth, and how I missed her.  I had wanted to travel all of my life with her.

It was then, that I became, "homesick," for Heaven.  I was deeply yearning for the comfort of Heaven.  Sad, melancholy, and this poem came. It felt like therapeutic ointment FROM God,for my aching soul. Oct. or Nov. 2002.

I do not mind if this poem is read aloud to a group, such as at a funeral.  I would appreciate if you would honor my *permissions policy which requests that if done so, a visual link to my blog, be provided, and I, Tammy Dunlap be credited for authorship.  Please do not copy and reproduce my work with out my express written permission. (*permission policy link to right of computer format)

When my time has come

to pass from Earth's living shore,

Don't be sad for me,

'Cause I won't care much for here anymore.

I think that I'll still love you,

My friends and family here,

but I won't care, as in worry,

'cause I'll be with my Savior dear,

Just being by His side,

and given new eyes to see,

it'll be easy for me to trust Him,

with ALL details for you and me.

I kind of think He'll show me,

how from the start of time,

He's really been in control,

and had our best interest always in His mind.

He had a lot to consider,

It's not just about you and me,

He had to plan for all mankind,

...the best for eternity,

Being with my JESUS,

and my loved ones who died before,

I'll be so happy in Heaven,

so don't cry 'bout me anymore!

Just walk beside our savior,

Put your hopes in Him,

Share with Him your burdens,

He died for all our sins,

If you don't really know him,

Just invite Him into your heart,

Mean it when you say it,

Admitting your sin is the place to start,

Ask JESUS to be your Savior,

to be ransom for your sin,

Know that He is God's Son,

and He'll claim you as His kin,

Then walk each day with JESUS,

Heed scripture, love Him, and pray,

It doesn't have to be a fancy formal prayer,

but share with Him each day,

You don't even have to say it,

He knows your every thought,

Did you know its with His blood,

that your salvation was bought?

If you but accept this miraculous gift,

He'll reach down and touch you,

and into Heaven, He'll lift...

It'll be so much better there, 

without reason for worldly care,

Surely fruit of the Holy Spirit

will abound,

Only love, joy, goodness and peace,

in paradise, will be found.

So do you see why?...

When my time has come,

to pass from Earth's living shore,

Don't be sad for me,

'Cause I won't care much for here anymore,

I'll be so happy with Jesus,

and loved ones gone before...

And in my heart, an old hymn bubbled up.  I did not picture it here for fear of breaching a copyright.  I am not sure if it is still copyrighted.  Any of my savvy blogging sisters are welcomed to share their insights and knowledge with me on this.

The song is:

"This World is Not My Home" (I'm Just A Passing Thru)
arr.by Albert E. Brumley

I truly hope that sharing this, is an encouragement or comfort  for someone.  This path on earth is not an easy one, and it hurts most when we loose a loved one.  Those of us who have hope and expectation of Heaven through Jesus Christ, are so blessed.  May we strive to live for Him, and share the good news of the gospel.

Grandma Mary Martha 💖