Mom
Dear Champions,
On Friday night, July 5th, I went to visit my mom in the nursing home. I had gotten several texts that day saying that she was doing much better, so I was excited to see her. When I got there I held her hand, and we talked. Among other things, I told her how much that I loved her, and I told her what an amazing mother that she was. I told her that her grandson and granddaughter, Sam and Rachel, had won the counselor dance competition at Camp Greystone the night before. She responded that she already knew that because their mother, Pam, had already told her. I noticed that she was having a hard time talking because her breathing was strained, so I told her that she could just listen and I would do the talking.
I reminded her as I had done a lot recently that the only way to get to heaven was through Jesus. I shared Scripture verses. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." 1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." I reminded her that even though she was an amazing mom, that when she died, that the only way to get in heaven was by totally trusting in Jesus.
I brought my ipad so I played a handful of my favorite Christian songs. How Beautiful by Twila Paris, I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me, Hold Me Jesus by Rich Mullins, God of Wonders by Mac Powell & Daneille Young, Above All by Michael W. Smith, Breathe also by Michael W. Smith, In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell, Testify to Love by Avalon, Untitle Hymn (Come to Jesus) by Chris Rice, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Chris Rice.
Finally, I prayed with her. In my prayer I asked God to give her more of His Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13), and I heard Mom whisper back, "more of your Holy Spirit." I asked God to heal her body among many other things, and then it was finally time to close and say goodbye. I kissed her on the forehead and told her that I loved her and would be back the next night. She said that she loved me too
The next day around noon I received a message to call my wife, Beth. She told me that my mom had just passed away. I had no expectation that she would tell me that. I guess that I'm never ready to say good-bye to someone that I love so deeply.
Champions, have a great week!-David Vining
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