In The Arms of the Lord

Dearly beloved, Fiona has gone home to the Lord. After a few days of fighting increasing breathlessness, she succumbed to breathing difficulties at 10.15am on the morning of Friday, September 5, 2008.

In the couple of days before this, Fiona's breathing difficulties were increasing to the point where she required constant sedation. Even in this state, her breathing was far from easy, and her few waking moments were very uncomfortable, to say the least. As caregivers, our hearts were breaking to see her like that.

Our prayers, then, were still for God to touch her with His healing hand. But if it was not to be, then we asked for His mercies to take her quickly. Fiona's fears have always been of pain, something that most cancer patients have to contend with.

Her going home quickly then was an answer to our prayer. She experienced but a few days of discomfort before her home calling. Our response, amidst the grief, was “Thank you, Lord”. Our God is gracious, even in our times of trouble.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2Tim 4:7

Today, we believe and know, Fiona is enjoying the incredible delights of being in God's presence. In His presence, there is no pain, no sadness. In His presence, there is only unending joy and peace. In His presence, she has her full reward for her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We know this because she held on to her faith and never let go. In her last days, she spoke of going home to Jesus, and spoke it with a quiet and confident assurance. Jesus, thank you for your grace, so precious.

"Sure goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6

As family members, we grieve the loss of one who was so special, and we have no words to describe our pain. Our grief is great, but less than what could be, because we know where she is now, and know we will surely see her again. We count the moment, days, and years one by one till we will meet her face to face again in the presence of the Lord.

"The LORD gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:21

Amen.