I silently prayed as I slipped into her room for what would be the last time I would see her. O God, help me to connect with Connie. On hospice and in an assisted living home, she lay very still as I sat next to her. She was near the end and I was happy when I realized she recognized me. Connie was in my first church and I began our conversation by talking about the old days. She pressed her lips together and smiled slightly upon hearing names of old friends.
Then I read some Scripture to her and she seemed to enjoy hearing familiar passages. As I read, I remembered some of the old Scripture songs we had sung together during the Jesus Movement. “Do you remember this song, Connie?” and I began to sing to her Psalm 34: “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth, my soul shall make its boast in the Lord, the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together, I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.”
As I sang Connie slipped her arms from beneath her blanket and slowly raised them in the air. She tilted her head toward the ceiling and opened wide her eyes, glistening with tears. She began mouthing some of the words. I kept singing, going from one verse to another: “Thy loving-kindness is better than life,” (Psalm 63:1) “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever,” (Psalm 89:1) , “Bless the Lord, all my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy Name.” (Psalm 103:1)
The presence of the Lord filled the room and joy flooded over me. Connie and I worshiped, side by side, sending God a fragrant offering, yielding our hearts to the Lord, loving Him, and giving Him adoration and praise. The two of us had connected deeply in the Spirit. It was a sacred moment and I will forever be grateful.
Prayer Focus
- Upcoming Myanmar missions trip for Tru and Shari Yamamoto, Mark, Sally and Nate Ellis; pray for safety and fruitfulness
- Pray for our nation that peace might come into the political arena
- For the Advent services/messages
- Montgomery family over the loss of youngest son Jonathan
- Pray for Barb Ezzel, former Executive Pastor of the River and also the Youth Pastor at my first church as she is battling several health issues
- Healing – Ami, Darrell, Mike, Ben, Eveline, Garrison, Jeff L., Janice, Kit, Katrina, Katy
- Prodigals
Connie Crossland’s Memorial: will be held Sunday, November 24, at the Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach, from 3-4 pm
Losing a loved one to suicide: On Saturday, November 23, 2019 from 9:00-11:00am, Saddleback Church and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will co-host an event in honor of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. This gathering is for all who have lost someone to suicide, whether the loss is recent or in the past. Kay Warren, cofounder of Saddleback Church, and representatives from AFSP will be presenting during the event. We will be showing a short film that will help us discover healing and resilience in the aftermath of a suicide loss. A free breakfast will be provided with registration. Please register here.
Attached Photo: William Daniel Miller, newborn son of Billy and Ohana Miller in Romania
A Wise Quote to Take to Heart: “Do not believe everything you think.”
Pastor Jay