Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday August 24, 2009

Every now and again one of Larry Lilly's Letters gets legs. By that I mean many recipients FWD my letter to their email list. On a few occasions this has resulted in near a million readers! I took this info to Starbucks and this plus $1.70 purchased a great cup of the Devil's Brew. Wine, as you know is the nectar of the gods. The article, "Does Jesus Care" Wednesday August 19th was such a one, though it didn't hit a million.

One response to the article was from a writer friend. Gail writes from a life of deep experience and loves dogs. Her work is published by New Century, the same publisher who humors me into believing that I am a good writer. Gail recently sent her married daughter to the land beyond the river. What she said moved me to tears, so I share it with you.

"Dear Larry, Your message about Jesus caring really touched me, as my family misses our dear daughter, Jane. Last week her 6-year old son, Guinness, visited here in Greenwood. Between trips to the zoo, pool and Children's Museum with his 3-yr old cousin Gibson, it was a joyous time. We truly felt that Jane watched from above, encouraging us to carry on. Guinness even shouted into the clouds one day: "Hi Mama, we miss you!"

Thank you for continuing to communicate to your readers with "bon mots" from the greatest book ever composed. Now those guys (and girls) were REAL writers!

By the way, please say hello to the Great Blonde, and tell her what a lucky woman she is!

Gail Bradford"

First, I wish the Great Blonde realized my greatness and her luck. (Keep this to yourself). The line from six year old, bubbly Guinness "Hi Mama, we miss you!" moved me to tears.

That Christians have a true hope beyond the grave is often stated in scripture. One such is 1 Thessalonians 4:13

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."

When Lizzie DeArmond's young daughter walked on, Lizzie had a terrible time of grieving. She said:

"When God called my girl to live with Him, I felt I could not spare her, and it left an ache in my heart that was difficult to bear. The ever present, persistent question, "Why should my girl be taken?" became the overwhelming burden of my waking moments. Why should it be my child?

After several months of wrestling with this question, my health was affected and my faith clouded. Then one night, while I was pacing up and down on my lawn, there came to me the words as if spoken from the sky: "We Christians do not sorrow without hope. We do have to say goodbye to our loved ones here, but we have that glorious hope of good morning over there." The mess¬age brought surcease from my sorrow, comfort for my heart, and stimulus to my faith. I hastened to my room where the poem took form. God gave me a song that has been a blessing in my life, as it will be to others who sorrow for loved ones."

Homer Rodeheaver wrote music for these words:

When comes to the weary a blessèd release,
When upward we pass to His kingdom of peace,
When free from the woes that on earth we must bear,
We'll say "good night" here, but "good morning" up there.

Refrain
Good morning up there where Christ is the Light,
Good morning up there where cometh no night;
When we step from this earth to God's Heaven so fair,
We’ll say "good night" here but “good morning” up there.

When fadeth the day and dark shadows draw nigh,
With Christ close at hand, it is not death to die;
He'll wipe every tear, roll away every care;
We’ll say "good night" here, but “good morning” up there.

Refrain
When home lights we see shining brightly above,
Where we shall be soon, through His wonderful love,
We'll praise Him Who called us His Heaven to share,
We’ll say "good night" here, but "good morning" up there.

Refrain

Go ahead and get your hanky and I will see you tomorrow.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2009 Use with credit

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