I Know Whom I Have Believed...


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Thankful Thursday – Embraced by Love

The picture had been all but forgotten.

It was over two years old...and stored in the cell phone archives...

Memories swept over me...

A chilly emergency room...

A small statured, cold natured, 93 year old patriarch...

A request for more of the rough hospital blankets...please make them warm...

A bevy of hands, wrapping, tucking, smoothing, loving...

Until...

Every inch of this precious man was covered, except his face.

His earthly body sought physical warmth...even as his soul was being encircled by the warmth of his Saviour’s arms...readying him for that final journey...

Embraced by Love...

As I sat in the hard metal chair this past weekend...surrounded by guitar lovers...but wishing I was home from this trade show...my boredom and browsing random cell phone doodads...turned into one of those moments that justifies a closing of eyes and inhaling a deep breath...

My granddaddy’s picture...

The flashback to that day in the ER...

Brought HIS embrace into that hot, humid sports arena...

So what am I thankful for today?

So glad you asked...

I am thankful that no matter

Where I am...

How I feel...

or what is going on at the moment...

He is right there with me, beside me, in front of me, behind me, IN me...

And when God decides to call me home...

That final embrace

That Embrace of Love

Will carry me into eternity

With Him...

TTButton with Iris @ Grace Alone





29 thoughts:

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

This is truly something to be thankful for.
Blessings to you,
Lyn

Just Be Real said...

Thank you dear one for sharing. Blessings.

Denise said...

This blessed me my dear sis from the top of my head, to the bottom of my feet. Thank you, thank you. I love you.

luvmy4sons said...

Yes...His embrace makes all the difference. Your memory of losing your graddaddy made special by the love of Christ in the room. Blessings sister.

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

Beautiful post! WE all have loved ones we're anxiously waiting to see, but most of all to see our Saviour. God bless.

Melonie said...

Beautiful post - you've moved me to tears. Thank you for sharing this!

Sandy said...

That was beautiful, Karen. What
a joy to know we, and our loved
ones, are not really giving up
life but entering into true life
to the fullest! Now that's a reason
to say "HALLELUJAH!"

Anonymous said...

He is right there with me, beside me, in front of me, behind me, IN me...

I love how you put this.
Blessings,
Tammy

Whidbey Woman said...

It is wonderful when those memories come flooding back...
feeling the presence of loved ones is so comforting. Many times I have been "visited" by my father. It is usually when I have been really scared or confused. Dad always had such a calming effect on me, and was a good listener. What a reunion it will be! Peace be with.

Cherie Hill said...

The Spirit has been speaking this same word of thanks...Praising Him for His Presence...His gentle embrace of love that envelopes my heart every moment of every day.
Blessings sister,
Cherie

Sandy said...

Karen, as others have already said, this is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this tender post! Glad you looked back in your cell phone and was able to have that memory of your Granddaddy!
So thankful that we can look forward to His warm embrace!

Unknown said...

This is awesome to here girl!! Thanks for sharing it!! God's plan is so perfect for us but "WE" get in the way. If you just trust in Him completely He will take us places we only dream about!!

Would love for you to join us for Thankful Thursday as well friend.

Have a blessed day!!

Joshlin said...

Beautiful! What better to be thankful for.

Have a blessed day!

annies home said...

Love your post it is wonderful to know that we are never alone that he is always there ready and waiting to comfort us

Jessica Kramasz said...

This brings tears to my eyes..so beautiful.

Karen said...

Yes, I have been with a few family members now as they passed into glory. SO VERY THANKFUL for our Loving Savior!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I love your Thankful Thursdays, and this is a great one
kim

Nancie said...

Hi Karen,

"I am thankful that no matter Where I am... How I feel... or what is going on at the moment... He is right there with me, beside me, in front of me, behind me, IN me..."

Amen! It is such a great comfort and encouragement that our Lord is with us always no matter what we go through. Thanks for sharing with us. Thanks for your visit and encouragement too. Take care.

Warm regards,
Nancie

Anonymous said...

My sister (Karen) and I were discussing this very thing earlier today. Thank you for sharing this message today. God bless.

Debra Kaye said...

Absolutely precious!

Denise said...

The Father God reminded me one day many years ago that there is a child in heaven waiting for me..... Broke me down the instant HE reminded me.. I lost a baby in 1963 at 16 weeks........ I was devastated.. BUT over they years I had forgotten... HE reminded me a few years ago that I have a child that watched the gate! What love HE has for us......

Jerralea said...

Beautiful post, Karen. We so often forget that the One who loves us most is always right there with us, no matter what is going on.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

wow. reading this especially near the end...gave me incredible comfort...your strength and hope became mine. thanks so much Karen.

Brian the old man said...

Wow, this story brought tears to my eyes. Having faced death's doors myself last year, I can feel the loving embrace of which you speak. He is truly with us and for this I am especially blessed and thankful. Thank you for sharing this with us. God bless you and your family.

Diana Ferguson said...

So glad I popped over to read this. Timely for me. I am having surgery Monday and am feeling HIS presence.

Amydeanne said...

amen!

Melanie said...

Amen.

Unknown said...

I am crying Karen! What beautiful writing!

Joan Hall said...

This is beautiful, Karen. Such precious memories.

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