August 8, 2001 was a hot sunny day in South Carolina. I had been running errands and taking my son to the doctor. Stepping into our cool home when we finished, was a great relief. Before long, I was napping. Suddenly, I was jolted awake by my father's voice, singing loudly in my mind! In his baritone voice, he was singing an old Pentecostal song he had sung many times before in church...
"Oh I feel the touch of God on my soul-- God works just as He did in days of old--Rejoicing in His love--Anointing from above--Oh I feel the touch of God on my soul!"
This was something I had never experienced before. That song played on repeat all day in my mind.
It had been a long time since he had sung that song; and an even longer time since he had led the "song service" in his church. During those times back in the day, when we lacked a musician or singer to lead, Dad would pick up his tambourine and lead us in song before he preached.
Dad was living in a nursing home suffering the ravages of diabetes. When he went on dialysis, he slid into dementia and had been moved to a nursing home. 2001 was such a hard year for Dad. That is why I knew God was preparing me for his death. My first thought was, what should I do? I was over 700 miles away and there was no phone in his room. God showed me to pray for him, that he would be gone by tomorrow. So I let my brother know and I prayed for Dad.
Losing someone is so hard for us, even when we know they will be far better off when they leave this worn out, temporary "flesh suit" and are present with the Lord. I knew Dad was saved, forgiven and right with God. I cried and prayed for him as I felt led. I prayed that he would pass on in his sleep--that he would have no pain--that he would feel our love for him--that he would not be afraid--and most of all I prayed that he would feel God's presence in his room with him.
The next morning, I was awakened by my brother's call. Dad had died in the night, about 3:30-4 am. I believe my prayers for Dad were answered. We can't imagine praying for a loved one to die, but sometimes that is the most selfless, loving thing we can do for them. Dad's failing body could no longer contain the strong, eternal spirit within it. It was time for him to leave it and go back to the Father.
I thank God for that very clear warning. I thank God for the privilege of praying for my Dad on his last day on earth. It is so much more important to prepare for our eternal life than to lay up treasures in this temporary one. Our time here on earth is a mere dot on our eternal timeline.
Dad left us August 9, 2001, but he is present with the Lord so it is okay. Death is part of life, but to those of us who are left behind, it is the hardest part. So today, 13 years later, I am remembering my Dad. He played a part in who I am ~~ Be blessed, Arlene
"Oh I feel the touch of God on my soul-- God works just as He did in days of old--Rejoicing in His love--Anointing from above--Oh I feel the touch of God on my soul!"
This was something I had never experienced before. That song played on repeat all day in my mind.
It had been a long time since he had sung that song; and an even longer time since he had led the "song service" in his church. During those times back in the day, when we lacked a musician or singer to lead, Dad would pick up his tambourine and lead us in song before he preached.
Dad was living in a nursing home suffering the ravages of diabetes. When he went on dialysis, he slid into dementia and had been moved to a nursing home. 2001 was such a hard year for Dad. That is why I knew God was preparing me for his death. My first thought was, what should I do? I was over 700 miles away and there was no phone in his room. God showed me to pray for him, that he would be gone by tomorrow. So I let my brother know and I prayed for Dad.
Losing someone is so hard for us, even when we know they will be far better off when they leave this worn out, temporary "flesh suit" and are present with the Lord. I knew Dad was saved, forgiven and right with God. I cried and prayed for him as I felt led. I prayed that he would pass on in his sleep--that he would have no pain--that he would feel our love for him--that he would not be afraid--and most of all I prayed that he would feel God's presence in his room with him.
The next morning, I was awakened by my brother's call. Dad had died in the night, about 3:30-4 am. I believe my prayers for Dad were answered. We can't imagine praying for a loved one to die, but sometimes that is the most selfless, loving thing we can do for them. Dad's failing body could no longer contain the strong, eternal spirit within it. It was time for him to leave it and go back to the Father.
I thank God for that very clear warning. I thank God for the privilege of praying for my Dad on his last day on earth. It is so much more important to prepare for our eternal life than to lay up treasures in this temporary one. Our time here on earth is a mere dot on our eternal timeline.
Dad left us August 9, 2001, but he is present with the Lord so it is okay. Death is part of life, but to those of us who are left behind, it is the hardest part. So today, 13 years later, I am remembering my Dad. He played a part in who I am ~~ Be blessed, Arlene
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