She was in a home hospice for nearly one month. She was continually visited by friends and family she had loved for nearly 80 years. This week, our dear godmother passed into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. My wife flew to her home to spend one last weekend with her. Her body was weakened by her cancer, but her indomitable spirit was energized as she met with the many people who came to pray and have one last conversation with her. 

At the end of the weekend, I picked up my wife from the airport. She was emotionally drained but grateful for the opportunity to see our godmother one last time. As she tearfully reflected on the weekend, she shared with me, “She was still witnessing to people when I left her.”

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. 

Philippians 1:20-24 (NLT)

The Apostle Paul wrote these beautiful words while imprisoned, certain that he would die for the sake of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He did not fear death and welcomed it as an opportunity to be in the presence of Jesus. However, he knew that it was better to continue to live so that he could witness to others and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

Like the Apostle Paul, our godmother never wavered in her commitment to serve her Lord Jesus Christ. I look forward to being reunited with her in the presence of Jesus Christ in Heaven. She is now being comforted by our Lord, whom she faithfully witnessed about to others with her last breath. What was hope and faith in this life is now reality and fulfillment for eternity.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.