1 Corinthians 15:55-57 King James Version (KJV)
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Crowned
I sit in the dark and hear music playing softly and the slow rhythmic breathing of this crowned one. Her snow white hair is visible in darkness. (Proverbs 16:31-33) This is God’s waiting room I find myself in once more. This precious saint has been a mother to me and loved me since I was fourteen. She threw open the doors of her home and her arms of love to me, her daughter’s best friend. She calls me “Doll.”
Warrior
I hold her frail, thin arms. She reaches up and touches my cheek. My tears brim and spill onto her blanket. We are alone and though her mind has forgotten what I said two seconds ago she remembers me. Thank you Lord for this gift! Up and on the wall is a framed poem I gave her long ago. She is a Warrior: My prayer warrior. She has battled for me before Heaven’s Prince of Peace and she walked beside me through many of life’s storms.
Waiting Room
Now, as I sit in this waiting room it is my turn to battle for her. I offer her sips of something cool, beg her to eat; I tell her over and over “I love you,” try to keep her comfortable as she waits for the voice of Jesus to call her Home. Yes, I care for her as if she were an infant once more. Earlier, I sang some of her favorite hymns, quoted scripture, and I prayed silently. Grieving the loss of her I know will surely come unless the LORD intervenes has already begun.
Mother
“Mom” is 88 years old and has been granted a long life (Psalm 90:10) but for the past year has rarely left her home and is seen only by those who take the time to go to her home. There remains only a shell of this beautiful Southern Lady and the spunk she had.
She makes me laugh even now by making faces, responding to my quips of family life, and even tells me I am bossy. It is true. I am a bit demanding as a caregiver; Willing her to live, fight, try: one. more. time.
Tomorrow, I will travel home and wait for the call to return either for another shift in the waiting room or to come celebrate her wonderful life. What a blessing to be considered part of the family. The images of the time I spent with her are seared into my memory. I will hold on to them with all my might. What a treasure God gave me as she prayed for me all the other times I was in this waiting room.
Pass the baton
Who will take up her warrior post? Only God knows the answer. This I know. He has ALWAYS given me someone who prays for me. I am certain He will again.
Do you have a Warrior? Are you in the waiting room? What if we become each other’s warrior? Aren’t we always in this waiting room? Sin brought us this and Jesus alone releases us from it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ0K17CbOsk
Prayer Warrior, by Heirloom
If you want a good book to read on prayer give Fervent by Priscilla Shirer. Recommended to me by my soul sister who helps me soul survive!
Blessings and prayers,
Yvonne