Saying Good Bye

Tonight, I found out my friend Jenny went to be with Jesus. Although I know she's better off and her pain is gone, I know she will be missed by so many. It doesn't seem fair that someone at age 34 is taken from us because of cancer. Of course, that is looking at life from an earthly perspective, not an eternal one. Her strength and courage in the battle she faced for so many years gives others hope and helps us to persevere through the tough times. Her faith was amazing and she encouraged so many with scripture and thoughtful words. She has left an amazing legacy through her daughter Grace.

The first time I heard the song Homesick by Mercy Me is the week my Grandma died. I think of her every time I hear it. I also think of the many family and friends who have gone before us, who put their hope, faith, and trust in Jesus and are with Him now. I think of Jenny among those people now. Those are the faces I will see again someday because of our shared faith in Jesus. One thing I am thankful for is that when we are believers in Christ, there aren't any permanent good byes, just 'see you later's.' I can't imagine not having the hope to see my loved ones again. As I was told today by the pastor Jenny & I grew up with, it's better to have opened up our hearts and loved and feel the pain of loss, than to not have loved.

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. John 3:16-18

Homesick by Mercy Me

You're in a better place,
I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times
I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken,
the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength
to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me,
the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength
to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength
to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength
to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength
to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now


Thanks for your friendship, Jenny. You will be deeply missed!!