Written by Jackie Shumate
union springs alabama

A little over four months ago, I said “goodbye” to my dad. He was just 71 years old when his 25-year battle with heart disease ended. But God’s mercy and the gifts He gave me during my father’s final months are something I will always cherish.

After my mother passed away suddenly in an accident a few years ago, my sisters and I, along with a team of medical professionals and helpers, became my father’s caregivers. Because of his heart condition, he was on several medical devices that set off alarms multiple times each day, as well as medications that required a great deal of attention. God blessed us with a year without hospitalization, which was a miracle given his condition.

My sisters and I learned how to help with the necessary tasks, but at times it was tiring and overwhelming. On the drive to and from his house, I prayed that God would heal him or bring him home, take away his anxiety and somehow give him joy again. I prayed.

wash your feet

One of my jobs was to wash my father’s feet and cut his toenails, since he could not easily take a bath or shower. Most people couldn’t or wouldn’t do this, but each time I commented that my Jesus did it. He never hesitated. he was helpful. Those intimate moments are some of my most cherished memories.

My father continued to fight every day and was often hospitalized. During a therapy session with a doctor on the palliative care team, her father confessed that he was tired of fighting but wanted to live a little longer to see her grandchildren and see her husband’s ordination as a deacon. I was thinking.

His dying wishes will be honored by God. The Holy Spirit was present at the ordination service. That day, “Leaning on Eternal Arms” was sung and Daddy was just “safe and secure from all alarm!” He was able to successfully complete the church service and lunch, and it was a fun day.

But these alarms didn’t stop forever, and new drugs were soon added as a last resort. Within a few hours, he had changed! He has more energy and his alarm goes off less often.

During the last two months he lived in joy and peace with God. I don’t know if it was really the medicine that helped or if God was just doing a favor to us, already grieving children. A man who has spent most of his life fighting for his faith and control can only be described as surrendering to his Almighty. He was at perfect peace with God and spiritually ready.

renewable energy

His last few calls were a lot of fun. He asked about us, our children, and life in general. He was able to work in the garden and talked to me about the future. In the end, it wasn’t about death, dying, or despair. God has blessed us with two months filled with joy, hope, and beauty. His best friend even said how peaceful he was and so close to God.

When the end came, we held him until he took his last breath. We were there for each other just like he was always there for us.

I often ask the question, “Why did mom have to go first?” We don’t have the answers, but perhaps it was to teach us all how much strength and perseverance we have. Perhaps it was a way for my father to draw closer to God and surrender himself completely. Perhaps it was to remind us that God is merciful. Perhaps it was for a reason we will never see or know.

While my mother was away, my father read the Bible every day, choosing verses to help him through his darkest days. His one of those verses is 2 Corinthians 12:7–10.

“Therefore a thorn was given in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me, lest I should become conceited because of the greatness of the revelation. I begged the Lord to leave me, but He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I submit to weaknesses, insults, difficulties, persecutions, and calamities for Christ’s sake. Because when I’m weak, I’m strong. ”

I heard him quote that passage and he emailed me about it. Those words were read at his funeral.

God’s goodness

It’s easy to say that God is good when life is going well, but what about when it’s not? When death or trials come? Or when things don’t go your way? Which is better?

I quickly remembered that it was always there. we just have to look for it. God works through silence. God is working to achieve His glory. God works to do good for those who love him.

I share my story to remind you that God is present even in the midst of trials. He is a good person – despite the waiting, the silence, the tragedy. Death is not the end. Because we know who has tomorrow because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.