You tube, Alabaster Box by CeCe Winans
Tears in a bottle
Psalm 56:8 is one of my favorite scriptures for it reminds us that the God of the universe is totally interested in our lives right down to capturing every single tear! He collects our tears in a bottle possibly stored in an alabaster box, and He writes down the reason for our tears! Now this is paying attention to detail in my life!
As I am reading through the book of Luke, I discover the reason for the keeping of my tears and the accounting of my tears. It is so I too can worship at Jesus feet and pour these tears (there will be no more crying in heaven) on His nail scarred feet as an act of my gratitude for His faithfulness to me through the trials of life and redemption from sin.
Tears for ultimate healing
This study could come none too soon as my sweet neighbor, who I often called Skippy, as she walked way too fast on her walker, lies in a hospital bed with only her heart beating, labored breathing, and an occasional movement of her eyes under closed lids as signs of life. This her eighth stroke will be too much to overcome from a medical perspective……but God can give her a whole new brain! Tears are being shed for her and her family. We rejoice with tears for her ultimate healing and weep for ourselves and the loss of her beautiful presence, indomitable spirit, and gentle ways.
Marilyn “Skippy”
Tears of grief for the family
We laughed til we cried at her antics, our memories of her from days long ago when she could speak clearly and make her opinions known (in no uncertain terms)! We wept as prayers were offered by many who came to support the family and whisper their love in her ear. Every tear kept safely and recorded for future reference, not by God who knows all, but by each one who will pour those liquid drops of love on the Master’s feet and they will be transformed into a sweet aroma of praise. We will see and understand all we gleaned from each experience for these are the things that mold us into the image of Christ through our suffering.
Alabaster jar
Just as the woman in Luke emptied her alabaster box, which was valuable, we too will have the privilege of emptying our bottle of valuable tears in worship and adoration.
Skippy will soon be on her way to the Promised Land dancing and carrying her alabaster box held high and her praise again audible: loud and clear! This vision of her makes my heart smile! My sorrow is not for her but my own selfish self. I am beginning to understand why the heavenly city is stacked high: it is a condo complex so all our mansions will be next to each other! Reunited for eternity! Never again to be separated from our Lord or each other!
If you weep today as I do; If your heart is broken for any reason believe the Father is taking notice!
Trust He is working to bring glory to Himself and good to you. The cocoon of the butterfly MUST be broken open for the beauty of the new life to unfurl.
Related scriptures:
Revelation 21:4; 3:12; chapters 21-22
As of Sept 24th “Skippy” skipped into heaven. Her transition peaceful and without pain. Her walker was left behind, her voice is filling the halls of heaven with her songs and her life is once more full. She is reunited with those gone before and she knows her loved ones are not far behind. I gave her a message to deliver to the officer and gentleman I love.
I Will Not Say Goodby by Danny Gokey
Additional Reading:
I just found this amazing tribute to Skippy!!! I have not really accepted that she is gone. She would love it but probably give you” the look” as she glances at the her picture , but smile at the smapshot of her buddies. I wish I had known her longer, but we got close when we were both sick. Thank God she and Steve had you. Thank you for this glimpe of bittersweet memories of an amazing woman of faith. God help her family. 🙏💕