The Preparation

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (nkjv)

The day will be etched in my memory forever. It was Friday, August 19, 1988. My dad dressed, ate breakfast, and went to work. He was expected home at 5:30, but he never made it. Just shortly after getting to work he started disassembling a crane. Something went terribly wrong and the crane fell on him, killing him instantly. The next few hours were a blur with family and friends coming to our house.

My mother was the picture of strength. She greeted everyone, making sure we were doing fine. She chose the casket and made all the arrangements for the funeral. The night before the funeral, my mother came to each of the children. I remember her telling us how special we were to our father and how proud he was of each one of us. I didn’t think I would ever feel as much heartrending sorrow as I did that night.

As we prepared for Dad’s funeral the next day, my mother started having chest pains. The family rushed into her room. I remember sitting on the bed with my mother’s head in my lap weeping uncontrollably. I kept saying to her, “Mama, please don’t die. Please don’t die.”

But God had a different plan. My mother died of a massive heart attack just a couple of hours before my father’s funeral. My parents had taken me to church as a child and introduced me to God. What they did not realize was this God who would save me from hell was the same God that would be my Rock, my Protector, my Comfort, and my Strength as I faced the death of two of the most important people in my life.

From the shattered dreams of parents lost, it is hard to see God’s good plan. I’m still watching and waiting, but so far I have learned the value of being a mother to my children. I have learned the importance of every second with someone you love. I have learned to look for the power of God’s plan for my good. When God moves mysteriously in our lives, see Him painting beauty upon the canvas of our souls. And when God brings us through tragedy, cling to His hand as He writes strength upon your soul.

Father, thank You that You truly do comfort and strengthen us. You alone are the rock that will not be shaken. Thank You that You make all things work together for our good. Help me to keep my eyes on You! In Jesus’ name, amen.