Go

Contact Us

  • Phone: (715)386-8821
  • Email:
  • Mailing Address: 920 Third Street, Hudson, WI 54016

 

 

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS 2018

Day 39 - Saturday, March 24

Posted by Lois Duerst on

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.           

Joshua 1:9

I recently attended a funeral for a friend’s dad. The memorial service was filled with  testimonials from friends and family attesting to the character, giving spirit and courage of her father. It felt truly like a celebration of life! I have, in fact, been to a number of funerals lately and each time it brings back strong memories of my own mother’s passing.

My mother died ten years ago last April. In fact, she died on Good Friday. It was a day that is etched in my mind as if it just happened. Her diagnosis was such that she had several good options available to prolong her life for a period of time. She made a very courageous decision to not seek any treatment. She had faith in what was to come and chose to let nature take its course. This was a very hard decision for me, and my siblings to accept, but her mind was made up. She was placed into hospice and one of us was with her to the end. The most uplifting part of her journey was on her last day. We had all been summoned to her bedside as the end was imminent. While the spring weather had been cold and dreary up until this point, on this particular day, the sun was out in full force and it was a beautiful 70 degree day. All of my siblings were present, and we decided to wheel her bed outside onto the patio. We played one of her most favorite CDs, Nat King Cole.  While the song “Unforgettable” was playing, my mom passed away, in the beautiful sunshine with all her kids by her side reminiscing about her life. I had never in my life felt such peace, hope and admiration for my mom and her strong faith and courage. That memory has been an inspiration for me ever since.

Prayer:  God, help me be unafraid of the journey ahead. I pray for peace, acceptance, hope and understanding as I live my life. Give me the strength to face the many obstacles ahead and the hope and faith to look forward to eternal life with you.  Amen.

 

Comments