Sarah

Sarah

A few weeks ago my youngest sister’s grandmother passed away after a brief illness. She was ninety-five years old. For personal reasons I had always kept my relationship with her and the rest of her family at arm’s length, I just never allowed myself to become ‘close’ to her or her family.

Because of that I missed really coming to know a very good person, actually several good people. And it is entirely my loss. While we were traveling to Alabama for her funeral, I read the following letter on Facebook and I realized just how good this one person really was.

I received word last night that my dear Aunt Sarah passed away.  I have tried to think of the appropriate words to convey how special she was to me.  I can’t put into words the love, respect, appreciation, care and concern I had for her.  She was so special in many, many ways!!!

First of all, she was an outstanding example of what a Christian is to be.   She studied her Bible daily and shared her knowledge of it with all who would listen and engage in conversation with her.  She encouraged all to live a Christian life.  She encouraged preachers young and old to continue in His work. 

Aunt Sarah was an outstanding cook.  Nothing pleased her more than to cook for her family and friends which she did up to the point of her recent hospitalization.  Literally hundreds of people ate at her table and never left hungry.  All left commenting about how good the food was and how much they enjoyed the visit.  I can’t count the number of preachers and their families that made her home their home while holding Gospel meetings in the area or just passing through.  She never let them leave without a sack of food for the road– usually her fried apple pies, divinity candy, or fried chicken or all the above.  You didn’t need an invite to visit her-you were always welcome in her home regardless of the day or night you arrived.  She greeted you with a sweet smile and arms outstretched for a hug. 

She was a true matriarch of the family– all respected her quiet, calm yet strong, loving leadership.  I never heard her speak ill of anyone.  When troubled times came, she was a refuge always providing a listening ear and sage advice.  She loved her children, grandchildren and all her family unconditionally.  She celebrated her 95th birthday April 7, 2017 but did not look her age.  I would call her most weeks and talk with her, usually after suppertime.  She was always glad I called and ended our conversation with “I love you and pray for you, please pray for me.”  She was an example of how to deal with life’s hardest blows, losing her husband and two of her sons. 

She remained true to her convictions come what may, always stating her burdens were light compared to the suffering Jesus Christ endured.  As a child, she instilled in me the need to stay true to the Bible and to the church.  Aunt Sarah has gone to the home she longed for and that she prepared to go to her entire life. 

I am happy for her, but there will always be a tremendous void in the lives of those of us that knew her and loved her.  If we would all live by her example, we would be the better for it.  My prayer is for peace and comfort for her family and all who loved her as we navigate life without her presence and help.  Her legacy will live on and oh what a legacy it is!!!

Jane Bedsole Martin

I choked up with emotion as I read that letter to Cindy as she drove. I told her – That is the epitome of a life well spent! As Christians we should all be seeking to live our lives like this.

As I read that letter I remembered the story of the Titan ‘Atlas’ in Greek mythology. Back then the Greeks thought that a giant named Atlas held up the world. After reading this note about Sarah I am sure there is no giant named Atlas, just thousands, (if not millions) of humble Christian women just like her Grandmother Sarah quietly holding the world up with their love for the fellow man.

While it may be the man that is in the spotlight most times in reality, it is the quiet, devoted, loving, Christian woman in the background that really makes the world keep on going. That was certainly true in Sarah’s case.  Because of her I think that something was clarified for me.

We may not be able to get to heaven by our works for God, because He can do anything.  He doesn’t need our help. But I believe we can get to Heaven by loving our fellow man like Sarah did. Because he does need us!

Anyway, Sarah was good to me.  She always had a smile and a hug. She always made sure that I had a heaping serving of Divinity whenever I left her home, and I am sure my name was on her prayer list somewhere. She loved my Mother and the rest of my family and she tried to help us as much as she could and as much as she knew how to.

Yep, Sarah was good to me.

Always.