What happens when you face your own mortality? You think – and PRAY.
I am scheduled to have surgery in two days. Yesterday, a specialist discovered the reason for intense pain I was having three weeks ago. While my prognosis for recovery is good (although lengthy – 4-6 weeks), there’s always a risk with an operation, especially since I’ll probably be on the operating table additional time due to the doctor’s findings.
Even though I’m fairly young (43), fairly healthy (try to eat my fruits and veggies), and enjoy exercising (walks in the park and lifting weights at the gym), my husband suggested I write letters to our two sons, age 18 (a senior in high school) and age eight (in second grade), “just in case.” He also asked me to write down any wishes, for example: What I would or would not like for a funeral.
I have a pretty good idea why he asked. My husband’s dad died suddenly at the age of 44 after going into the hospital for something that was supposed to be routine. My husband was just a little boy at the time – eight years old – ironically the exact age of our youngest son right now.
As you might know from reading this blog, I was married before. My first husband tragically died at the age of twenty-eight in a car accident. We were married six years and my oldest son was only nine-months old at the time. He went home to be with the Lord a couple of months before my twenty-sixth birthday.
I just celebrated my sixteenth wedding anniversary with my second husband. We look forward to many more years together as the LORD allows. And that is the key. God is in control – no matter what happens. So, I will write those letters to my sons. (And one to my husband too, even though he didn’t ask for himself.)
And here on this blog I call Anna’s Place, a place I created for those who are suffering with loss or grief, I will post the words to three special songs I would like people to sing at my funeral one day, hopefully much later than sooner. Don’t worry, if you’re singing them sooner, I’ll be singing a new song in Heaven with Jesus, my Savior!
The other details, I’ll leave for my husband. However, I wanted to share three of my favorite hymns with you in the order I would like them sung (and for my hubby to reference if needed – he likes documentation so I’ll print this for him to keep) and give a brief explanation why I chose these particular songs. Since I like to write, I encourage those I love to share what I wrote about these songs at my funeral one day – just read it out loud for all to hear (and sooner if you would like). It is my testimony.
Song One: My Hope is in the Lord (page 37 in the little red hymnal at our church) There are many songs I love, but this first hymn is special to me. It was a theme song at the Christian high school I attended. Who else can we place our hope and trust in that will never, ever fail? Jesus, only Jesus. He died so we might live eternally when we place our faith and trust in Him. Praise God for that blessed hope – a hope of not “if”, but “when” I see my risen Savior face to face.
My Hope is in the Lord
My hope is in the Lord, Who gave himself for me,
And paid the price of all my sin on Calvary.
No merit of my own, His anger to suppress.
My only hope is found in Jesus’ righteousness.
And now for me He stands, Before the Father’s throne,
He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.
His grace has planned it all, ‘Tis mine but to believe,
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.
For me, He died, For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.
Song Two: My Faith Has Found a Resting Place (in the little red hymnal at our church it’s found on page 193 entitled No Other Plea)
The reason I chose this song is because there is no other resting place for our faith than Christ and Christ alone. I have no other plea. This is why we live and breathe and have our being – in and through and all for Jesus - to proclaim His Word and share that blessed hope we have in Him. I don’t need any other argument! Oh people try to argue that there are many ways to God. That’s a lie! There is only one way to God and it’s through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Show them John 14:6. Proclaim it from the roof top! He is the way, the truth and the life! Jesus did it all for me. He did it all for you - for anyone who will believe and receive. Remember Romans 10:17 – faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God – the Bible!
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
My faith has found a resting place, Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever living One, His wounds for me shall plead.
Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him, He’ll never cast me out.
My heart is leaning on the Word, The written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name, Salvation through His blood.
My great Physician heals the sick, The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed, For me His life He gave.
I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died, And that he died for me.
Song Three: Trusting Jesus (page 245 in that little red hymnal)
So why did I chose this song? Well, partly because it became very special to me after my first husband died. I loved to play it on the piano and let the words cleanse my weary heart and mind like a refreshing rain. It is a very comforting song. You’ll see when you read the words. Like the phrase, “even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus that is all.” I love that. Do you want to know why? Because our faith will be tested in this life. Oh yes it will. We are not promised a bed of roses so to speak. And although roses can be so pretty and fragrant, there are thorns that are sharp and can hurt. We are weak, but God is strong. Jesus will see us through when we trust Him. Just trust Him - even when the way doesn’t seem clear. Trust Him every moment - even when it hurts so bad you don’t think you can go on. Trust Him because He gave His life for you. Trust Him because He loves you. Yes, He does. Don’t ever doubt it – even though you might be tempted. What more could Jesus do than give His life? He shed His blood on that cross of Calvary, giving up every drop for you – for me. What else could He give to save us from our sin and give us a home in Heaven? Trust Him. Trust Jesus – that is all!
Trusting Jesus
Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His Spirit shine, Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall; Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing if my way is clear; Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call; Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall: Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all.
