"He Knows My Name"

One week ago, Friday morning, October 31, 2008 the Lord chose to take Mimi (Shannon's mom Sue) home to be with Him. After months of horrible cancer treatments and pain, Sue was finally standing (or bowing or kneeling or jumping up and down!) in the presence of her Lord in heaven.

We got "the call" Tuesday night that death was imminent and left early Wednesday morning and drove to Decatur, Alabama. Even though we dreaded what we knew was inevitable, we wanted to be there for her last days and to be there as a family with Dave, Amber, Ben and Mark. They had all been more than amazing in taking care of Sue. It feels odd to say, but we had a great time at home with them that week... but not so odd, because I think Sue would have wanted it that way -a house full of laughter and praise drowning out the tears. She was a Christian, certain of her salvation, certain of her eternal life to be spent with Jesus. The Bible reminds us that we are not to "grieve as those who have no hope" (I Thess. 4:13). We have a hope and an assurance that we will see Sue again and that our separation is only temporary!

The Bible also says, the God will "comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees fo righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified. (Isa. 61:2-3)" We saw this happen when one of Sue's coworkers gave her life to Christ 2 days before Sue's death as a result of Sue and Dave's witness.

It was also such a blessing to meet so many of Sue's friends and coworkers who had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Many talked about how much she talked about the baby and how she was looking forward to her first grandchild. This was so comforting to know. The most meaningful thing was that Sue had sent Amber out shopping for baby clothes for the little raindrop. They are so cute and perfect! Those little outfits are priceless to us and show us that even in her last days, Mimi was wanting to take care of her new grandbaby!

We have been so blessed with such an incredible family and this is one lucky baby! The title of the post is "He Knows My Name," this was one of Sue's favorite songs and was sung a the funeral. The words are beautiful and worshipful! If you click on the title it will take you to a webpage where you can listen to this song.