The Memory of the Righteous

 

We were back in Tennessee last week for my mother-in-law's memorial service.  It was a beautiful celebration of a life well lived.  Over 30 family members from all over the country were in attendance.  Her three children honored her, three of her pastors spoke, one pastor's wife and one friend.  We sang songs about the Blood of Jesus.  It truly was a beautiful celebration.

Proverbs 10:7 says, "The memory of the just is blessed."  Another translation says, "The memory of the righteous is a blessing."  Memories shared that day were such a blessing to our family.  There was a lump in our throats, but there was also so much joy and laughter.

Dolly loved to tell the story about being "A Jeremiah Baby."  Pastor Phillips told of it during his remarks.  When Grandma Loeffler was pregnant with Dolly she was told by the doctor that she might not survive giving birth so she dedicated her unborn child to the Lord.  Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee."  Dolly was known by her God before she was even born and she never took that for granted.

My sister-in-law, Lisa, read two poems during the service.  The second poem, called "Transition," was written by Dolly on her 16th birthday, it was the day her grandmother passed away.

Transition

To cross over the river,

To walk on that golden strand,

To change the leadings of this earth

For those of the Savior's hand.

 

To leave this world and our loved ones-

To meet others around the white throne,

To walk in darkness through the vale

On the path that leads toward Home.

 

To exchange for darkness, light,

To be sheltered from the cold,

To meet the Shepherd face to face

And be gathered into His fold.

Oh! Blessed Transition

That leads to the promised land

As we leave this earth for Heaven

We hold to the Savior's hand.

 

Goodbye for now, Dear Dolly, we'll meet you on the other side!