AFFIRMATION IN HAND

Flipping my cell phone shut, I felt that in 15 minutes flat I could zip north to share some teary hugs with friends. The wispy thought wiped away with reality of 700 extra minutes that trip would take. My mind snapped back to reality.


This mind has been stuck on a song like an antique needle on a spinning record. A yearning song, a praise lyric of depth repeats in me the chorus that starts with, “Majesty, Majesty, your grace has found me just as I am; empty handed but alive in Your hands.” 


I learned that song in Group Soul, my former worship team. Until illness pulled her from the team, my fellow worship singer, Stephanie sang the melody to my harmony. The musical dynamics surely echoed in heaven.


Though not the Von Trapps, her family had that genetic gift of music. Her sister led choirs. Her brother sang and played guitar. Steph sang and married a musician/singer. Seeing them together next to their singer-father, anyone would know they were family. Full cheeks you could pinch, short chins, these folks had wide sparkling eyes that creased when they often smiled and joked.


Yet in reflective moments this family evinced rock solid faith. They still know in whom they believed, so sure God will keep them until that Final Day. So many times Steph, as well as her husband, Bill spoke eternal wisdom that grew souls who heeded them.


In the deep South reside equally well-spoken folks. Sunday my new friend C.C. shared how she spoke to her doctor at a recent exam.


He chided, “Why didn’t your husband notice this [back pain she had]??”


“Doctor, he couldn’t,” she replied quietly and smiled. “My husband is in heaven.”


He is in heaven, I heard the pastor affirm that reality after the unfolded flag was folded and presented to C.C. by a military color guard.


In a few days another pastor will affirm that assurance to my dear worship buddy’s family. Dear God, I want to be in the pews but I cannot. I pray other yearning souls attend in my stead. May those souls heed, grow, and throb with joy at the promise Christ offers, forever alive in His hands. 

Can you hear that new voice in heaven's choir soar. . .