It was strange.  Death is so strange.

A few weeks ago, I was having Clam Chowder, watching a DVD about miracles, and hearing about how awesome Detroit was in the 50's.

This wasn't like my Grandma Brigidia, where I was able to say goodbye and process through her leaving.  No.  It was sudden.  Almost like an Enoch-kind-of sudden.

Passion.  I remember she had so much of it.  I wonder what her life was like when she stole $5 and left Oklahoma as a young teenager.  I never got to hear how the Lord took a hold of her heart, but I definitely got to see how He kept it.  It was incredible to see a woman in her late 70s and early 80s going on mission trips, driving across a few states to attend conferences, and praying for how many hours in the early morning.

One of my favorite memories of Grandma Lois was seeing her pray with one of the youth at church.  The service had long been over.  It was just the two of them sitting in a chair about 10 rows from the front row.  A few stragglers were left in the sanctuary, but it was mostly just light chatter.  I had come back into the sanctuary to grab some things left behind.

There she was hands clasped with this young man, both of them just weeping.  I could hear her saying lightly, "Jesus" or "Yes, Lord" or "Thank you, Lord" between sobs.

The next week, I stopped the young man and asked how that prayer time with Grandma Lois was.  "It was just what I needed," he replied.


I can only try to fast forward my life 57 years, to when I'll be as old as Grandma Lois was when she passed.  What would those years look like?  I pray faith would mark them.  I pray for a grateful endurance and a patient longing and hope.

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."  2 Timothy 1:5

Humility: knowing one's proper place

Sunday when I decided to flee to the Cleve(land), I listened to Mark Driscoll's thoughts on Humility.  He spoke of how while some anxiety is caused by mental disorder, most often it is caused from one trying to be God- namely by trying to imitate his incommunicable attributes of omniscience and sovereignty.

Oh, straight to the heart!  How often do I plan my life for myself and try to know every little detail?  How often do I try to keep a watchful eye on things to make sure everything goes exactly as I planned or want?

Truly He is God and I am not.  This is my plea for humility.  Lord, thy rod and thy staff comfort me.

"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."  James 4:6