Rememberance

Three years ago yesterday our sweet, loving father went home to be with Jesus. As we mark Daddy’s third anniversary in heaven, I share this testimony not to boast, but to invite you to reflect on how trials shape us, and how God’s mercy, blessings, and moments of joy sustain us.

On June 22, 2023, Daddy suffered no more. He entered into healing and restoration with the Lord, free from pain. And on this day last year, our granddaughter Annalynn Pearl’s parents received the hopeful news that she might come home the next day, her 41st day in the NICU. Many of you read their testimony of fear, faith, hope, and miracle on Facebook; it remains a testimony to God’s goodness.

We all face grief, hardship, and testing, just like the faithful ones in Scripture. Amanda reminded us of stories where people endured forty days of testing, only to be given a day 41: a day of rejoicing and remembrance when God’s faithfulness becomes clear. Though Daddy’s trials lasted longer than forty days, there were hallelujah moments in his hospital room, glimpses of God’s presence and peace.

Sitting on our back patio, thinking about Daddy’s heavenly birthday and Annalynn’s homecoming, I felt the weight and the wonder of remembrance. People sometimes say we shouldn’t look back on trials, but there are seasons when we must pause, look back, and see what God has done, how He carried us through the darkest valleys and led us into new mercies. Let the hard times teach you to release fear and hold fast to faith. Remember the healing and lessons, and celebrate how God walked the journey with you. Through the fire and through the ashes, He can make beauty.

At Easter we are reminded to reflect on what Christ has done. I asked the Lord, “Good Friday , was it good?” To those who walk with Jesus, the answer is yes: what looked like defeat became our greatest victory. What was chaos came order.

In Mondern Hebrew, the day is literally translated as Yom Shishi HaTov, which means "The Good Friday". However, looking at the root Tov in Biblical Hebrew reveals a amazing meaning that perfectly matches the theology of the crusifixion. Tov means much more than just a pleasant feeling or moral behavior. In Genesis 1 it repeatedly mentioned the word good / tov. It is stating that creation is functioning exactly as intended to support life. So the connection that I see is the event of the crucifixion is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose. It is "tov" because it accomplished the precise function it was meant to acheive. The salvation of humanity.

Though there was grief and despair in that hour, God redeemed it all; He resurrected hope. Hallelujah, Jesus bore our pain and sin so that forgiveness, salvation, and new life could be ours.

If your pain still feels fresh, know this that our journey was and still is today a walk of faith for us, trusting God through uncertainty.

It was a win, for Daddy. He lived a faithful life and left a legacy of godliness. He ran his race to completion, and though our goodbyes were filled with tears, we hold fast to the promise of reunion (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14, 17).

And little Annalynn, born into a battle and lifted by many prayer warriors, has clearly borne God’s touch. Her journey taught her parents and our whole family about dependence on God, courage, and hope. This day is forever a day of remembrance for me: sorrow and miracle woven together.

So I ask you: what is your day of remembrance? What has God already brought you through, or is He bringing you through today? Don’t remain in the defeat of the past, turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. Let Him heal your heart and celebrate with you the victories He has given. It's time to rise and allow God to restore your heart and to see who He really is in your life. Bring all your thougths, cares and worries to Him.

So when you look back you can say, Praise the Lord, look what the Lord has done. Take the first step to move out of what satan has be lying to you. Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you always.

Hallelujah—God is faithful.