For we walk by faith and not by sight, and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to the Lord.     2 Corinthians 5:7-9 HCSB

A year ago today, my mother finished her fight here on earth and went home to be with the Lord.

This was the woman I had admired my whole life. This was the woman who had taught me that nothing was more important than our relationship with our Lord and Savior. This was the woman who had dragged me to church every time the doors were open and lived a life to model the life God wanted me to live.

We had shopped together, travelled together and enjoyed life together. For seven years prior to her death, however, my mom suffered with Alzheimer’s disease. While this is a terrible disease, which debilitates the mind and body, it was never able to rob her of her peace and joy. She amazed her doctors and home health staff with her continuous smile and her sweet spirit.

My mom witnessed to others even in her last stages of Alzheimer’s with the peace and joy that her life in Christ had afforded her. I will admit that I haven’t shed many tears over Mom’s passing. I find it hard to be sad when I know that she traded a mind that had failed her and a body that followed in failing her for a mansion in heaven. Most importantly, I know I will be with her again.

She is now healed. She can walk and talk and sing. She had a beautiful voice and sang in her church choir for many years. I have no doubt she is now singing praises to Jesus around the throne. I have no doubt she was given crowns to place at His feet (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, James 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 2 Timothy 4:8). I know her beautiful smile is eternal, as is her peace and joy.

My mother suffered many things here on earth as we all do, but she taught those around her patient endurance. She taught us how to trust in the Lord in troubling times. Even when I wasn’t following the Lord as I should, she gently guided me back to where I needed to be. When I rededicated my life to the Lord, she was there to help lead the way for me.

Mom had an open table for Sunday dinner. She would always invite others to join her at church and then come join our family for lunch. Even though she held a high position in a local bank, she was humble. She knew that all she had, God had given her. I never saw her look down on others.

There were times when she struggled with forgiveness, especially if someone had come against one of her children. There were times she endured trials and showed anger as we all do. But through it all, she remained faithful. She not only went to church, but she also participated in all that went on there.

She was always ready to help where help was needed. She was also there for others and would visit them even if they were in jail.

A year ago today, the world lost a warrior. This warrior went home victorious to eternal rest. If she could say anything to us now, I know it would be to continue the fight. She would want her children and grandchildren and all those around us to trust in the Lord with all their heart and to love Him with all their heart.

To sum it up, my mom can best be described by the passage of 2 Timothy 4:7 which says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And I know she wants us to do the same. Today I ask you to honor the legacy of my mom and stand strong in your Christian faith. Fight the good fight! Finish strong just as she did.

Have a great day!