Blessings from God.
It seems that every time you turn on the television or computer, or read the newspaper there is news that discourages you. Can I get an “Amen”?
Well, when Christ is IN you and you IN Christ He gives you a few blessings for us to enjoy. The Lord lavishes encouragement, comfort, sharing, mercy, and kindness. Oh, and this isn’t all. When we appreciate these blessings from the Lord, He will overflow us with: joy, love for others, unity, selflessness, and humility.
Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement He has brought us, the comfort of His love, our sharing in His Spirit, and the mercy and kindness He has shown us. If you enjoy these blessings, 2 then do what will make my joy complete: Agree with each other, and show your love for each other. Be united in your goals and in the way you think. 3 In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. 4 Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. Philippians 2:1-4
Last month I had written “How to Cope with Grief” and mentioned a few things that helps me get through a season of grieving: clinging to God’s word, songs, prayer, walks, and knowing that I will see my loved one again in heaven. (Click on the link above to see songs and bible verses referenced to aid you in a time of broken-heartedness.) I didn’t realize last month the season that God was preparing me for. Within the past three weeks, I’ve witnessed (and gone through myself) a handful of dear friends grieve as they lost a loved one.
When I read Philippians 2:1-4, I could help but visualize one precious lady who is now walking with Jesus, Mrs. Lena Lott. Mrs. Lena exemplified the characteristics mentioned in these verses.
Mrs. Lena and Mr. Ron. What a precious couple.
While listening to her three children and some of her grandchildren speak about their momma and Mimi, it was evident that Mrs. Lena was an encourager, a comforter, shared in Jesus’ Spirit, and was full of mercy and kindness. She also characterized one who was selfless by honoring others more that herself and cared about the lives of others more than hers.
I found it interesting, at first, that her son mentioned that Mrs. Lena didn’t have any hobbies or interest of her own. Why didn’t she? Because she consumed her life with her Lord and family. In the obituary it states, “Her family was her life.” What a compliment of selflessness.
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren could easily give testimony (and did) of their momma/Mimi attending just about each function her family was involved in. And let me just add, that knowing this wonderful family…those activities kept Mrs. Lena extremely busy.
It was also revealed that in the last months of her life, she was in much pain. No one would have known this about Mrs. Lena because she always presented herself as a well-kept and strong woman who was taking care of her husband of 62 years. She loved Mr. Ron, and he adored his love.
Mr. Ron, I was encouraged by you to hear you speak about how you wanted to gain weight. You were even specific to say how much weight you desired to gain. That simple sentence gave me a sense of the hope and determination you have to continue your bride’s hobby of living for your family. You have always been a strong, handsome, God-fearing, and loving man who always had a big hug to give me. I’m praying for you! I love you!
Mrs. Lott encouraged her children to always be respectful and to work hard. She didn’t only encourage them to do so, but stood firm in making sure they did.
I had known Mrs. Lena for most of my life. Her love for Jesus and her family wasn’t only an encouragement for her own family, but to me as well.
At the end of the service to celebrate Mrs. Lena Mae Lott’s life, her dedication and love for Jesus was also evident. During a time of prayer, an invitation to accept Christ as one’s Savior was presented. From what I could gather, about three individuals prayed the sinner’s prayer and confirmed that they wanted Jesus to be the Boss of their life. I personally remember the comfort I found in knowing that through my mother-in-law’s death, others gained a new life in Christ.
We will never know the impact our lives make on others. It is my prayer that you will evaluate your life and choose to live out the blessings that The Lord has for you: encouragement, comfort, sharing, mercy, and kindness, joy, love for others, unity, selflessness, and humility.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up THE SON every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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