“…For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever…” 2 Chronicles 5:13

Steadfast Love 

The day of this writing marks the day that my sister went  home to be with Jesus in heaven—December 6th.

In May of 2017, my sister was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that was cancerous—glioblastoma. This news came quickly—she was fine one day, then suddenly in a moment she began her journey in the healing process of this particular tumor, which included the combination of radiation treatments and chemotherapy—a too-quick, challenging seven months.

The tumor caused an inability for her to verbally communicate at a declining rate, so our verbal communication became one-sided; however, we still managed to laugh often and sometimes shed a tear or two. Her inability to text or walk was declining rapidly as well, but she managed to laugh at herself and was aware of who was around her—relatives, friends, nurses, doctors, and physical therapists.

She was one to have every hair in place and dressed very stylish—I did my best to accommodate her in her attire, which I’m sure wasn’t totally up to her standards, but she seemed ‘ok’ with it. I also observed that she wasn’t particularly fond of participating in the physical therapy sessions assigned to her recovery.

Many times this past year, I’ve wanted to call her on the phone—she had lived many miles away—to chat about what was going on in our lives, our children’s lives, and our grandchildren’s lives—or just to hear her voice or her laughter again. We’d been known to talk on the phone for several hours, which reveals how close our friendship was. I miss her so much and especially at this time of year—Christmas. But the joy that she’s experiencing in heaven gets me excited inside and I cannot help but rejoice! Colossians 1:27, “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” 

Knowing my sister, I’m sure she had many chats with her Lord during this time. The days and weeks that I spent with her during this challenging time were enveloped with God’s steadfast love for us. His love is unchangeable and His presence ever so near.

I’m forever grateful and thankful to have had such a great sister in my life—a wonderful friend and example of the love of Jesus. What an inspiration she was to me and many others—especially during this particular season in our lives.

I’m excited to celebrate Christmas again this year, for it is the love of God that sent His Son Jesus into this world as a baby. Luke 2:11 reads, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” 

“Thank You, God, for sending Your Son Jesus into the world. We thank You for the privilege of experiencing Your goodness and Your steadfast love here on this earth now and forever! Amen.”