I always thought that survivor guilt was silly. Why waste time on guilt that you survived and another didn't? But sometimes emotions don't make sense.
I thought I was prepared, but Jess' funeral was harder than I expected. Ed and Jess share the same disease, yet Ed is feeling remarkably well while Jess' 25 years seem pitifully short. And only God knows the number of Ed's days.
I know that in God's time even several hundred years of life is ridiculously brief. Eternity is endless, and Jess gets a head start in enjoying the glories of God's presence. Jess' goal was to be faithful until death, and she made it. The rest of us have more living to do - which means more pain ahead.
But "Jesus hath cheered the dark valley of sorrow...For Jesus hath risen, and man shall not die." (From Lift Your Glad Voices)
Yesterday was Ed's 41st birthday. I told him that I hoped he'd have a really good year. His immediate reply was that whatever happened, he was going to have a good year. Ed has taken Jess' death even harder than I have, but he also has a firm faith that God will carry us like He did Jess.
I searched online to find some of the music that was sung at Jess' funeral. She loved to sing, and the words of these songs share Jess' message to us who are still living.
"The Lord is My Light and My Salvation" - Jess' favorite song
"Somewhere in the Skies"
"By His Hand" - Jess' Testimony
"Lift Your Glad Voices" - Maybe the last song that Jess sang in her earthly body
If you are reading by email or feed reader, you may need to click over to the Home Joys blog to view the videos.
Happy Birthday to Ed! God has blessed you with 40 wonderful years of life ... may your 41st year be the beginning of more blessed years of continually renewing health and sharing the love of your family. God bless you all!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY ED !! What a lovely family you have headed up! Prayers for many more happy years ahead! Love, Hugs & prayers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links to those songs, Gina. Happy Birthday to your hubby and I hope and pray that he has many more but our lives are in the Lord's hands as we know. Jess sounded like a wonderful young lady.
ReplyDeleteMusic is such a wonderful way to remind our hearts of God's truths. "Lift Your Glad Voices" was one of the songs we sang at Chelsea's graveside service.
ReplyDeleteContinued prayers for you and your family.
Happy birthday to Ed.
ReplyDeleteI was so pleased to briefly meet you after Jess' funeral. No time to visit.a quote that has always impressed me, was quoted from a young brain tumor victim. A young girl, 15 told her parents as they spoke to her of what was happening. She told them, "my lifetime, is my lifetime" Marilla left her family to meet her maker in 2012. We don't know what God has in His plan in the future, but we know it is His will for Ed to be doing well right now, we pray for more days,as He graciously sees fit. Praise Him!!
Diane
Hello Gina
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog for quite a while now. I just wanted to let you know that you inspire me. You help me look at things in life in a different way and help me remember that we are only passing through this world. May the Lord give you much courage, strength and joy for each day. I pray for you and your wonderful family.
Eliane (from Switzerland;-))
Happy Birthday to Ed!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your family's story with all of us, Gina.
God has ministered to me so much with hymns the past year. This morning he brought to mind "He Touched Me" which blessed me so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m--ptwd_iI
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