The seventeenth Psalm is simply titled a prayer of David. It is a prayer not unlike the prayers you and I would pray when we face pressure and danger in life. David asks for God's favor in dealing with real and perceived enemies. The prayer of David here is beautiful but it is how he ends the prayer that arrest my heart this day. Psalm 17:15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.When Tammy slipped through the painful bonds of life into eternity, the first things she observed in that moment of awakening was His face. His face. What an amazing thought. To see the one who knows everything about you and yet His utter knowledge does not deminish His utter love for you, is overwhelming in thought. To look into the face of the one who gave His all for the joy of this moment. His joy is to see His beloved redeemed finally and completely. I can imagine that in that moment for Tammy, there was a warm, deeply intense, purifying warmth that swiftly erased the childbirth pain of dying. Then in that moment I imagine her eyes widening, pupils dialating and her tender lips seperating in awe. She saw Him, Jesus. The corners of his lips now turning upward. His embrace so utterly enveloping and satisfying like mighty wings wraping her in His love. In that moment, Tammy knew what David imagined. "I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness."
I must tell you a secret. Our love was intense but it grew to be like that. We were able to share a great love because of Him. You see Tammy had a love before me and I before her. The love of her life is Jesus. I got more love out of Tammy by her keeping first things first. It was tempting to put her in the first place but I knew not to do that. He must be first and when He is my love for wife, children and friends is greater than it could have been consuming all of me. I lost Tammy a long time ago to another man. The God-man, Jesus. I am glad I did.
In my good grief I receive comfort in this. Grief becomes so self-centered. It becomes all about my pain and sadness and loss. God's word reminds me through David's prayer that it is about something more, something greater. It is about Him. When I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Him! Then I will go looking for her.
Ed Litton
6 comments:
Pastor Ed,
You really have a way of putting things into perspective. You encourage me on a daily basis, and I'm thankful to have such an AMAZING pastor!!!
In HIS grip,
Amy Goff
Pastor Ed,
Amber and I have grieved along with so many others since learning of Tammy's passing. I wished very deeply that we could have made the funeral to show our love and support. God's amazing love and grace has shown radiantly through you and your family throughout this process. Please know that not a day has passed since the onset that we have not been in prayer for you. We wish we could do more, but we realize that, in agreement with your posting, that praying is all we CAN do. You and your family are loved and will always have a special place in our lives for what you mean to us and for who you are.
Landon & Amber Gaines
Pastor Ed
I sing in the Choir,Alto, and the Wed night before the accident I looked up and saw Tammy with her face and hands raised to the father.My last mental picture of her on this earth was a picture of what she is doing now. I know only God can give you peace on the inside but what a blessing for you and the children to be covered on the outside with a sweet blanket of prayer from your brothers & sisters in Christ. We love yall!!!
I know you like old songs so I thought I'd share this one.
O love that will not let me go
I rest my weary soul in thee
I give thee back the life I owe
That in thine oceans depths its flow
May richer, fuller be
O light that foll'west all my way
I yield my flickering torch to thee
My heart restores its borrowed ray
That in thy sunshine's blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be
O joy that seekest me through pain
I cannot close my heart to thee
I trace the rainbow through the rain
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.
Thank you once again for painting such a beautiful picture for us and for showing us the way to grieve. You continue to be in my prayers.
~Patricia
Pastor Ed,
What a beautiful reminder of what it is all about. I ncan just see Tammy worshipping now, probably standing right alongside her earthly father. You and the kids continue to be in our prayers as you try to adjust to the "new normal". Please know that we love you.
Kent and Vonda Vincent
Our theme in the worship ministry at North Mobile is "true worship." Since embracing that motto, we have worshiped with all of our hearts...longing to experience a taste of heaven on earth. Our times of worship these past 3 weeks have been more like heaven than any I can remember. I think it is because there is apart of us that is already there. Tammy's beautiful voice and perfectly tuned instrument do not require a microphone or reed anymore...she stands face to face...finally fulfilling her goal of "true worship."
Our physical hearts aren't big enough to contain the love we have you and your family...you are family. I have no greater honor than serving our Lord with you. Praying for you daily is our privilege and promise. Our family is forever changed because of you and Tammy.
Our memories are grand! And I am so grateful. Amy sends her love, Emily sends her song, Abby sends her smile, and Jackson sends "all his powers." And I send a promise...to always lead our church to a place where Tammy and host of heaven wait, standing before our Savior, with hands lifted high...a place of joy, a place of peace, a place of worship...true worship.
Jason Breland
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