This is my 50th post on Janna's blog...a small milestone. I'm choosing to be a bit reflective today, and probably not as much on Janna specifically. I've just spent the last half hour or so visiting a memorial website for Leigh Ann Tonkinson. Leigh Ann is the wife of Greg Tonkinson. Greg is a friend of Eddy's in his DMin. program. Eddy forwarded me the link to this website yesterday. Greg has been blogging about what the past month has been like for him and his children without Leigh Ann. I have been so moved by his transparency about what he's going through and experiencing...the 'ups' and 'downs.' I believe it would be so easy to just be completely awash in anger at the loss of your spouse, but I am witnessing through Greg's writings such a huge testament of faith. I suppose it may not feel like that to him, but he's sharing his faith through the faith of his wife in such a unique way. As I've been moved to the verge of tears I'm enamored by the example of a Godly woman whom I've never met. Praise be to the Lord for his faithful followers. I pray that my life might be remembered for my service to Christ.
Of course these things also make me think about Nene (Eddy's Grandma) and my Granddaddy who died within about 6 months of each other. The pain of death is so real and overwhelming at times, but the Lord gives us hope and joy in the midst of pain. I'm so thankful for Jesus' death and resurrection, which tells me that these 3 loved ones are alive and well in the presence of Christ. I pray that Janna may know the love of Jesus Christ and serve him all her days.
"O death where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory? O church, come stand in the light.
The glory of God has defeated the night.
O death where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory? O church, come stand in the light.
Our God is not dead. He's alive. He's alive."
1 comment:
It's always so beautiful and humbling to witness people worship God in pain - "the sacrifice of praise"
Post a Comment