[Adeodata's Heart] "Go ahead and SHOUT Granny"

[RT]

“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to You; my soul also, which You have redeemed.” Psalm 71:23

Three days ago, in the early morning of January 2, I sat in a chair across from my husband’s grandmother, whom we affectionately called, “Granny”. Just before our arrival, her earthly body had given out and she breathed her last breath. As I gazed at her peaceful countenance, listened to the cry of her twin daughters, and watched the sweet stroke of my husband’s hand across Granny’s face, I could not help but reflect on the life that was and the life that is. You see, Granny allowed Jesus to become her Lord and Savior as a teenager. What great peace lies in knowing that her life, despite the many struggles and heartaches was purposeful and full because she lived it with and for Him. 

 I don’t know a lot of details about Granny’s journey, but as I became more acquainted with her over the last couple years, one thing was very evident, she loved to read and listen to God’s word, and worship Him. There was hardly a time that a sermon or worship music did not fill the air during our visits with her. She didn't care too much for TV, stating that it just keeps you from getting anything done! Ain't that the truth!

 A couple months back, Granny was admitted to ICU with little chance of survival. Extreme dehydration and infection sapped her energy leaving the very basic of movements a chore. I pulled up a chair, opened the Bible to her favorite passages (John 4:1-42  the story of the Samaritan Woman at the well: "Jesus answered (the Samaritan Woman), “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” and Genesis 1, the account of creation) and began to read. She didn’t move or comment, but upon closer observation, I saw tears streaming down her face. Just before this past Christmas, my husband continued this practice. As he read, Granny’s eyes brightened and her head lifted as she strained to hear every word of the Holy Scripture. Again, her eyes filled with tears. My husband told Granny how much he loved and needed Jesus everyday. Her labored, raspy response, “I do too”. Another time, my mother in law (Mama T) sang a hym, and Granny mustered just enough breath to briefly chime in.

As the family gathered the evening after her homegoing, Mama T spoke of Granny’s tenure as a choir member. I asked if Granny ever “got happy” (a practice in many African American churches where people express their adoration for God by dancing and/or shouting). She said that Granny didn’t dance, but she would always shout, “Thank You” (to God), often the only one doing so!  

Granny, from beginning to end, praised God with whatever she had. Be it a melodic voice, a shout of thanksgiving, a slight lift of the head, a twinkle in her eye, or a tear.  I can only imagine how she's expressing her adoration now as she has left the life that was and entered into the life that is. Life in the presence of Jesus the One who redeemed, led and loved her here, and welcomed, glorified and cherishes her there, the Holy City of Heaven. No longer will dehydration, disease, tubes and trips to the hospital minimize her ability to shout and sing to the One who gave her living water some 70 years ago (John 4:13-14, Revelation 21). 

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Posted By RT to Adeodata's Heart at 1/04/2011 07:33:00 PM