My Lifelong Sweetheart
by Vern Powers, FBC member
On November 27, 2006, Bettye (my wife and best friend for more than 65 years) made that ultimate journey from this world. For her it was a graduation to a visual relationship with Jesus, to whom she had trusted her life from the age of 13.
During the months following her departure, a variety of thoughts have come to visit or take up residence in my mind: I loved her more than I knew. I was always proud of her. She was an ideal mother and wife.Her quiet, confident faith always challenged me. She made loyal friends wherever she went.She was a major stabilizing influence in my life.
And I have questions:What are her new and perfect surroundings and relationships like? What kind of recall and observation does she have of me, family and friends who were close to her and loved her?What is it like to see Jesus face to face and enjoy family members and friends who preceded her?
Grief has clouded (but not destroyed) my view of God’s love and Jesus’ promise of eternal life. But I’m quite aware of many blessings of comfort and strength: Blessed assurance about the beyond-imagination wonder of Bettye’s present joy-filled experience. Remembering that every day I told Bettye that I loved her in words, hugs and touches. The love, care and attentiveness of our children and their families. The brevity of Bettye’s illness. The love, prayers and encouragement of the pastor, staff and members of First Baptist Nashville (a treasured gift from God) and a host of friends
In God’s own time, I am confident that the darkness of these grief-filled days will give way to the light of seeing my sweetheart again and of enjoying with her the eternal home that Jesus has prepared.
Also in the July 3, 2007 Issue of The Evangel
» Frank and to the Point
» Shifting Gears & Building Bridges
» Mid-year Check-up
» Student Ministry Summer Camp
» Vacation Bible School Video
» Impact Your New Neighbors!
» Survey Says
» Can We Have Your Socks?
» Crow’s Corner
» Family Night is July 15
» My Lifelong Sweetheart
» Upcoming Events
» This Week in Worship
