Reflecting on Summer

This is a summer I will definitely not forget. It began with my leaving a ministry I had enjoyed for 7-1/2 years ... long story but it is a classic example of what happens when God's Word is overshadowed by man's fear. I pray for that church everyday in the hope that God will cleanse out those whose lack of faith is a detriment to the growth of the body of Christ.

Well, on to a new ministry - same city - new location - incredible people! What a joy it is to serve with folks whose desire above every desire is to change the world for Christ. I know that may sound rather presumptuous, but it is the truth. The folks at RCC are people who understand that faith in the Godhead is a relational and motivational concept. I believe God is and will continue to bless this effort ... after all, He is the one who began it!

August 4th and 5th, however, are days that will not soon depart from my memory. On Monday, August 4th, I received a call from a good friend in Largo telling me my mom had been taken to the hospital. Doctors were still running tests, but she probably would need to stay in for a day or two. All seemed well - even from the nurses point of view. Mom - in her determined not to disturb me mode - did not want me even to know she had been taken to the hospital, but through the nurse, assured me all was well. (I think she knew what was happening and didn't want me there to witness that)

Tuesday morning, I left bright and early for the 2-hour drive to the hospital. I arrived in time to discover that her condition had quickly deteriorated through the night - once she saw me, things went even faster. I was able to see her for just a few minutes before doctors came in to draw more blood - and then - as quickly as it began - it was over. Mom departed this world for the next around 1130 that morning.

I'll miss my mom and I know my kids will. I never got to know my own grandparents and my kids had the privilege of knowing their grandma well. She was an inspiration to many, teaching a Bible School class of 3rd-5th grade girls for as long as anyone can remember. She will leave a void in our lives that is already felt. As a Tropical Storm approaches our coast, one of my first thoughts was to call mom and see if her house was okay.

I suppose I'll pick up the phone a lot in coming weeks ... just to check on her ...