Graduation Into Glory

March 2021

Death is like walking from one room into another; graduating from this temporary life into eternal glory. There is a price to loving until death do you part. Losing a loved one can bring pain and loss that is difficult to articulate. As Christ followers, we know that the Lord is close to the broken hearted and those who mourn shall be comforted. Though it is necessary to grieve loss, both good and bad, we can stand confident that Jesus is with us through it all. Today, my family and I celebrate the graduation of my grandfather as he went to be with the Lord at 11:11pm, a sign that he was a veteran in the faith. Although it is hard to find words, I want to take a moment and honor the life of my beloved Papaw as he crossed over into his forever home—eternal glory.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 ESV

What do you say about a man that has deeply impacted your life? What could we do to possibly bring honor to a man that lived his life to honor the Lord? He touched so many, loved so well, and today I shall do my best to honor him and share my heart and love for one of the most amazing men in my life.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 ESV

Throughout my Papaw’s life, he showed me how to love Jesus more, in ways I may otherwise never have known, and constantly pointed me to the heart of the Father. He was more than a grandfather to me, he was my friend and never made me feel less than or lower than him. He was one that made you feel like you didn’t need him, but you wanted him. He always called me “Doll,” valued my opinions, answered my questions, gave me advice when I asked, and listened to my endless stories. He never let me enter or exit his presence without giving me a hug and a kiss on my head. When his arms wrapped around me, I not only felt his love for me, but also my Heavenly Father’s love through him. He was a yielded vessel to the Lord and no words can describe my thankfulness for how he led our family by example.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 ESV

He loved his wife, my Nana, and loved it when she put on lipstick. He loved her lipstick. He looked at her, even after all these years, as though he could eat her up everytime she walked into the room. He adored her, he adored all his children and grandchildren. His family was his pride and joy. But, he adored the Lord more, which is why he was able to love those around him so well.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25 ESV

He was disciplined and I watched him carve time out of his day to spend with the Lord and read His Word. Without fail, he prayed for every single child and grandchild every night as he and Nana took communion together as a couple. He knew the power of God’s Word and prayer–he had faith and it showed. If he told you he was praying for you, you knew everything was going to be ok because God was on his side. He had a very special relationship with Jesus, one that many may have ignored, but I saw it. I watch him closely throughout my life. Watched the little things, the hidden things, the unspoken ways he loved the Lord and others. His actions through his integrity and character is what spoke louder than his words. Even in sickness and pain, he loved so well. And because of that, his family, including me, respected, honored, and intently listened to his wisdom.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 ESV

The lessons I learned from him cannot be counted. He was always teaching me by his example and even by the way he held himself in conversations. Everyone loved him and knew him in different ways, but I had a special relationship with him–one I greatly treasure. I trusted him, and he trusted me. We shared things in confidence and knew that what was discussed would never be breached, even by death.

Although he was stubborn at times and wouldn’t let anyone help him, when he did ask you for help, you knew he entrusted you with much. He loved reading, mowing his grass, drinking his sweet tea, loving on his cats, and eating the donuts that Nana would sneak to him. He had a quiet passion for the Lord and a loud one for Kentucky basketball. But nonetheless, he had a deep relationship with the King of the world and knew with every fiber in his being where he would go when he left this earth.

“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.” Romans 14:8 ESV

One thing he repeatedly told me in our times together was that death is like walking through a doorway, you just walk through. He always said going to Heaven was as easy as walking into the other room. He said it was a blink of an eye away. We had endless conversations about Heaven that I hold dear and near to my heart.

One day, as I sat in his office discussing financial investments, he looked at me and asked me if I could help him. I thought he was talking about money, so I agreed to help in any way that I could. Then, he went on to ask the question. He said, “Bethany, I need you to help me. If I get to the door and I’m afraid to walk through, I need you to help me.” He was talking about the doorway to Heaven. He then asked me to get up and walk out of his office and then come back in again through the same door. As I did what he requested, he said, “See, it’s that easy and now you know how to get through. So, if I get to the door and I’m afraid to walk through, I need you to promise that you will help me.” Although death is not to be feared, with tears in my eyes, I agreed, not fully understanding the weight of what I just agreed to. But, I was honored that he shared his heart with me, as if he was seeing far off into the future. He was preparing me, even then, for this day––the day we would all have to release him from this temporary world and allow him to walk through the door into eternity with Jesus.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 ESV

He desired everyone to know Jesus on a personal level, especially his family and close friends. It was his heart's desire for everyone to spend eternity together one day, to love Jesus, spend time with Him, and ask Him into their heart. So today, our family celebrates his life, sacrifices, struggles, weaknesses, strengths, and joys. Today we honor his life and legacy. We shall continue to honor him as we love the Lord well––imparting his wisdom and Godly direction throughout our generational line. Papaw, we are happy you finally walked through the door into eternal glory and we look forward to spending forever with you one day. Today is your graduation day.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 ESV

“And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Luke 23:43 ESV

Papaw’s life and legacy is one that I will continue to share. He was a prime example that you can touch many, reach the lost, and live a full life for God without a platform or stage. His primary ministry was his family and for that he shall be remembered. He is held in high honor by the ones the Lord placed around him because he had great understanding of a concept many overlook. He first loved Jesus and then his family. He knew the key to loving the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind and in turn could love like Jesus. I encourage you not to chase a stage, a name for yourself, wealth, or fame, but chase the heart of God, obey what He speaks, and learn to love your family well.

Those walking through grief, know that the Lord is by your side. Let Him hold you and wrap His arms around you today. I speak peace over you right now. Your mind, body, and soul shall be at complete rest as the Lord's love to washes over you.

“Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 NIV