In the Company of Greatness

On July 24^th Shauna’s Grandmother, Sally Taylor “Nanaw” passed away. It was one year to the day that she lost her paternal grandmother and nearly two years to the day that we lost my grandmother. I don’t know who coined the statement “death is beautiful,” but I think they got it wrong. The Bible does say that death is precious, but it is a statement from God’s perspective… not ours. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Precious is also translated: splendid, weighty and costly, as in a precious jewel. So, how can something we struggle with so much here on earth be seen as precious in the eyes of God? Maybe it has something to do with perspective.

From our perspective: we lose a mother, grandmother, aunt or friend.
From God’s perspective: These are the one’s for whom He left His home to purchase with His PRECIOUS blood. Laying down his life for them. They are His children, members of His body, PRECIOUS in His sight. The Lord has so loved them that the very hairs on their heads are numbered, angels are sent to and fro to minister to them. In some sense it is like a long awaited home coming.

Maybe, just maybe death causes us (those left behind) to look more intently into our own frailty and take notice of His sufficiency. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2). And in that we find rest. A comfort that is nothing short of… precious.

This past week I had the opportunity to be in the company of greatness. I was surrounded by a handful of ladies who exemplified mercy, grace and strength at life’s most difficult juncture. After a long week of emotional, physical, and spiritual fatigue I packed my little family in the car and headed back to Mississippi. As I locked Lily into her five-point-harnessed car seat I thought of the legacy that is being passed down to her. the vibrancy and strength of her Nanaw… the beauty and calm compassion of her Nenaw… the selfless giving and nurturing of her Memaw… the passion and zeal for life of her Aunt Suzie… the heart and love of her Aunt M’Lee… the creativity and spark of her Aunt Steph… and everything that is her mother.

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
they are PRECIOUS in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.