A Tribute and a Challenge (Part 2)

Never give up; you never know until you try.

In part 1, I wrote about my dear friend Bill, who was like a dad to me. He died November 7, 2011, leaving me grief-stricken yet blessed for having known him.

Like any father and daughter, Bill and I had our bad moments, but I always knew that he would be there for me no matter what, like when I returned to school in 2004 after my husband’s death. I broke my left ankle just a few weeks into the semester, and Dad and Bill took turns transporting me to and from the local Community College for my twice-weekly classes.

Bill and I had some precious, sacred time together in his last days, making sure that we had everything right between us. I tried to keep my emotions in check, wanting to keep him from feeling uncomfortable, and I succeeded for the most part. I told him that I would make him proud, acknowledging that I knew he was already proud of me, but that I would continue moving forward, reaching for my goals.

At the memorial service, we all laughed as we shared a few stories about the man we all knew to be so tough yet so tender. We smiled and nodded our heads in fond remembrance and cried in grief. Still, we sighed in relief that our dear loved one is suffering no more, because he left the pain behind when he left this world and went into God’s waiting arms. Bill’s nephew Jason officiated, celebrating Bill’s reconciliation with God and challenging us all to avoid hypocrisy in our lives.

And therein is the “challenge” part of this post. May we all “walk the walk” if we profess to be Christians. We can’t do it ourselves, in our own strength, but Jesus can and will help us if we ask. He won’t force Himself on us, but He will come running if we ask.

Still On Hiatus

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Hello, dear readers.  I know it's been ages since I talked with you.  I'm still on hiatus, but I hope to be back with you soon.  Personal issues are still taking up all my energy, so I ask that you remember me in your prayers.

With gratitude and love,

Jacline