Verna Bowman

Encouraging Women One Story at a Time

Psalm 27:13

Beloved

By 21 Comments

I whisper a final good-bye to my beloved last Friday on a windy cemetery hill . . . temporarily. But Because He Lives I can face tomorrow and have the blessed assurance I’ll see him again and forever.

Our pastor John has a way of eulogizing a life into a gospel-word. The word for Jeff is beloved. Jeff may not have always thought that word was fitting. Sometimes the weight of our story is too much to read.

slide02Our brother Jon, the wordsmith, takes us through the dark tunnels of Jeff’s solitude and walks us through the orphan halls of Girard to get a deeper glimpse of who he was and who he became. Beloved.

Our son-in-law Scott and grandson Japheth create a resting place with hands and heart and the casket blesses the people . . . beloved. Grandchildren sing of a circle that will be unbroken even after we fly away . . . beloved. And sons and daughters testify of a man who left a loving mark on their life . . . beloved.  Then there is the Body of Christ that carries the ones left behind . . . beloved.

So Pastor John chose well – the title of Jeff’s story, and mine, and yours . . .

Accepted in the Beloved – the Easter story.

When life hits hard and a death sentence seemingly comes one letter at a time, how beloved do you believe you are– really?

We can know that we have the Father’s grace and kind attention, no matter how it appears to others. And we can know there is a loving mystery that uses it all to draw us to the deep place of His presence. We can know.

In His presence – that’s where my beloved dwells – between the shoulders of the Father and the chosen is no longer a fatherless boy – he is held tight and secure.

And so are we . . . because of His dying and rising.

May the beloved of the Lord dwell in security by Him who shields him all the day. And he dwells between His shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12

Be blessed,
Verna

Comments

  1. What a love story. And what a privilege to have walked and prayed through many years with you and your beloved. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus, Jeff is now resting between His shoulders.

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  4. Verna – thank you for your vulnerable transparency as you share you pain, love, loss, hope and faith during this difficult time. God is using you to bless others and help teach us how to walk the same road with grace, holding His hand. God bless and keep you.

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  5. Verna your Jeff’s story is beautiful and thank you for sharing with us. Praying for you. Abounding peace and love sweet sister.

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  6. Beautiful words. You have been on my mind. Praying for you and your family as you adjust to the loss of your Beloved. But only for a season…for we have a blessed Hope because of the love of our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son. Take care my friend and may you feel God’s gentle presence in the days ahead.

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  8. I love you!
    So grateful for our time together this week and sharing Jeff’s life with me.
    Beautiful tribute.

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  10. What a blessing the testimony of your love for the Father and your Beloved has been to me through the years! I praise Him for what He did in your lives and the lives of all who trust in Him. Your beautiful words shine the light on our Lord and His gift of grace, not only for you, but for all mankind.

    I wish I could have met Jeff here on earth, but I look forward to seeing him when we’re worshiping together around the throne. Praying for strength, comfort, and His peace, which truly does pass all understanding.

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  11. Oh Verna,
    Such Beautful confirming words of truth from a heart sorely tested with grief and loss of your loved one. Your faith has come forth as precious gold and testifies to the grace and strength that El Shaddai has forged into your life. I think that Jeff must smile as he enjoys the splendors of heaven knowing that this thin veil that seperates you will one day be flung back to receive you and all those who love our Savior.
    Thank you precious friend for sharing your heart and the truth of Gods promises that support you on every leaning side. Hugs and prayers.

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  12. Dear Verna,
    Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

    24 “The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
    25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
    26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”

    With much love to you and your family.

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  16. Your lives, my dear friend are such a testimony! You and your beloved were and are loved my our Father and by so many. I know that our prayers, the love of your family and friends and the presence of your heavenly beloved will carry you my sweet friend. What a day of rejoining it will be when we unite with our loved ones for all eternity! I love you…

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  17. Ah, Verna. What a privilege to witness your testimony above!
    Beloved is the exact word. See John 3:16,17. May you be always aware of God’s grace, peace and love in your life as you witness for Him.

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  18. Dearest Verna , What a priveledge to know you and Jeff, and to have walked with you these many years. Jeff was one of a kind, and indeed “beloved”.

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  19. Verna, we have not met but we are CCC sisters as well as siblings in God’s family. My heart hurts for your loss and my spirit rejoices in your declaration of faith.

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  20. I love you, dear old time friend, my sweet sister in the Lord. Praying you sense Jesus’ warm embrace – and within Him Jeff’s too – for we are one in Christ, indeed. We surely have a “blessed hope” and full assurance of eternal life. All heaven sings the victory of the Lamb!

    I’m mindful that “tears now” are “love leaking out” of a heart that is full.
    Verna, you are precious to us all.

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