Poems, prayers and peace
My doctor said I’m in liver failure and have a short time left. I’m trying to wrap my mind around that, since until a few weeks ago I didn’t even have pain.
Spiritually, I’m blanketed with peace beyond what this world gives as I prepare to cross through that thin place that separates today from forever.
Some people sensed this was coming before I was even told; I’d like to share thoughts from dear ones, hoping they encourage you and minister to your heart for that day we all someday face. The first is from a woman who was in the youth group at our church which I led.
Judy: “O Jan, I feel like I knew already… Praying for what God knows that we don’t, for how God loves when we can’t, and for where God is when our bodies can’t go beyond. Praying in hope.“
Me: “Thanks, my aman cara (Gaelic for soul friend). Hope never fails, even when we do.
Dearest Jan, “I so love that our times are in His hand. Not the doctors, not ours but His! He gently leads each one of us home and He orders each one of our days. So today, I am believing that THIS day is ordained by Him and that you are fulfilling His purpose in it. I am asking Him to fill you with the awareness of His presence with you. Moment by moment, He will lead you and fill your days with Himself until He calls you home, the way He will call each one of us home. Love, your Barb.”
From my granddaughter Fiona, living in China
Deep within my soul
Deep within my soul I yearn for you
I yearn for your tender words
I yearn for your gentle spirit
I yearn for your guiding hand
Deep within my soul I long for you
I long for your filling presence
I long for your smiling approval
I long for your guiding hand
Deep within my soul I need you
I need you in my breaking heart
I need you in my crying heart
I need you to guide my hand
Deep within my soul I cherish you
I cherish how you protect me
I cherish how you answer me
I cherish how you guide my hand
Love, Fiona
Rebecca: “May the Beloved enwrap and enfold you with all-embracing love, dear Jan!”
Greg: “Praying this morning that the One who created you and who loves you deeply would whisper stories of hope and glory to you all day long– that your very soul would resonate with the joy of his goodness.”
Nat: “I wondered if there was a scripture that included the word tall, for “’My Tall Friend Jan.’” Sure enough, there is. I Cor. 16:13, “’Listen, stay alert, stand tall in the faith, be courageous, and be strong.’”
Mel: “The doctors may have given you a guideline, but only God knows the number of your days. What I love most about you is your adventurous spirit, your grand faithfulness, and your unrelenting gift to find the best in all situations. May God use your time to continue to inspire others as you’ve inspired me all these years.”
Sue: “Dear Sweet Jesus. We don’t know when you will come to call us home. We become so deeply in love with our family and friends on this earth, it is difficult to think of ever leaving them. Yet we know your love supersedes anything we can imagine, and you have prepared a place for each of us. Help us to feel your breath on our face and your soft whisper of love. Help us know when our time is come to know your peace and joy.”
Kathy: “Help us to live as those who are prepared to die. And when our days are accomplished here, enable us to die as those who go forth to live, so that living or dying, our life may be in you and nothing will separate us from your great love in Christ Jesus.”
And from my twin sister Marilyn,
Continue with courage on life’s upward trail;
For where it is steepest,
God’s love is the deepest,
And will faithfully, finally, fully prevail!
Thank you, friends and poets, for your love and prayers that carry me from this side to the next.
All will be well.
Texting Thru Recovery/ Indiana Gazette
Photo: Abbey window, Iona Abbey, Iona, Scotland
Photo: My Kenyan granddaugheters
14 COMMENTS
Two things I think of at this time. How you have inspired and helped me with my writing has been my blessing from you. Second is my favorite poem “Footprints in the Sand”. May God carry you tenderly and softly to his home as he has done before across the sands of life,
Love you
So glad our paths have crossed, Betty! love, jan
My dear friend, you have left your mark on the world, something few of us will accomplish. Your candor has brought understanding and hope to so many, and helped to renew the faith of more. I am blest to have had our time together in planning our writer’s mini-conference. You are an inspiration to me and will always be in my heart. ❤️
<3 Betty as go your own journey at this sad time. So glad we became friends!
Touching you now, dearest Jan, as I utter prayers prayed by Holy Spirit from the depths of me. He knows every part of you, and He knows the heart of God for you. It’s the very best I can give you today. He continues to be, Everything You Need, I AM. On the wings of my prayer, I send to you my love for you in Christ. 💕
Loving you Jan and praying for you and your family today and always.
You’ve an inspiration since you first my mom in law Leona. And you were my swimming coach… and faithful friend. So glad we go to share a small group together and rides together, Jan.
I feel heartbroken, but your faith inspires me to not tremble for you. Your writing is a tremendous blessing for so many.
What a humbling thought, Lea. Thank you!
Dear Jan,
You had such a great impact on my life many years ago. How very special you are. As you prepare to step through the veil, may you think about all the people who love you – you a choice daughter of God.
Love, Kathy
You ARE a choice daughter of God.
You ARE a choice daughter of God!
You and I are already in forever! But oh the joy of seeing HIm face to face! Soon, all those you love will join you, in the blink of an eye.In the in-between time, i will look for you on the breath of the wind.
Love you eteranlly,
m.e.
Dearest Jan,
My sadness on hearing this news is deep but my joy for you is wide! My prayer is that during this part of your journey Home – our most beautiful final pilgrimage, hmmm? – you will be surrounded only by love and loving memories. You have run the race with Jesus by your side, and have been God’s faithful servant, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and precious Anam Cara to many. So many of us have greatly been blessed and benefited by your honest sharing of your faith story as you courageously lived so brightly while coping with cancer these last four years.
You’re in my heart and prayers, dear pilgrim friend, as you walk toward the Light that shines and is waiting beyond the beautiful window we both enjoyed at Iona Abbey five years ago next month!
Much love and many blessings,
+ Rebecca
Comments are closed.