PINIMAGESeems like our culture really wants to promote that women are equal to men. Femininity is even scorned. But as we celebrate our mothers this weekend, I want to remember a godly, graceful woman who offered a wonderful example for me through her words and the way she lived her life what it means to be a godly mother. She makes me want to be a better mother. I hope you are inspired too!
Ruby Eleanor Seldomridge
July 30, 1914 – January 11, 2017
Today, we will celebrate the life of my dear Nana as we say goodbye. So I decided to share with you what I have prepared to say today at her home-going celebration.
The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be forever. Psalm 37:18
When my mom called on Friday just over a week ago to tell us Nana was being taken to the hospital I had no idea we would have just a few short days left to spend with her. But God knew.
Nana was an amazing woman.
She loved to sing.
She had committed countless verses from God’s Word to memory and could still quote them to us until the very end.
She was artistic and loved to paint.
PINIMAGEShe made crafts and ceramics.
In fact I have a tiny ceramic duck she painted in the pocket of one of my jackets. I’m not sure how got there but I decided to keep it there and every time I wear it, I pull the duck out and think of her.
I remember a time in college when my husband Mark (who I was dating at the time) and I had broken up. It happened just before summer break and I recall feeling very depressed. When I returned home, I went out to my dad’s workshop in our backyard to paint. It has a big picture window I would look out for inspiration and one day while I was looking out, I saw my Nana coming out of the house. I was surprised to see her walking to the workshop.
She came in the door and stood beside me looking over my work. I don’t remember the exact words she said to me but she’d come out to the workshop for one reason – to comfort and encourage me. She shared some scriptures with me and told me she would be praying. And then she left me to my work. That was over 20 years ago and I’ll never forget it. I don’t know what she prayed but Mark and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage in August.
My Nana was a prayer warrior. She believed in the power of prayer and her dedication to pray for others was an example for me. Even after I left home I would call when I had a need and ask my mom to pray and then I’d say, “Don’t forget to get Nana to pray too”.
She was not the kind to lecture. She lived out her faith and was fervent in prayer. And I caught her passion for God as I watched her example.
I am learning to pray the way she did. And, following her example, I had been praying for her as she lived in an assisted living facility in Wilmington and then for the past year, close to us at Broadmeadow.
Even though her care was great and she had activities throughout her week, I knew there must be times when she was alone and perhaps lonely. Whenever I prayed for her, I asked the Lord to abide with her – to let her feel His presence in a special way every day.
Well, last Wednesday after we said goodbye and she slipped into eternity, I went home and slept for while. Then, I picked up my prayer journal once the fogginess of fatigue began to wear off and I began to pray.
I started down the list and when I got to her name, I stopped. I realized I didn’t need to pray for her anymore. God had answered my prayer.
I thought of all the times I’d prayed for God to come and abide with her and it was as if He said, “I thought she’d enjoy My house much better.” And just took her home.
Hebrews 13:7 says, Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Hebrews 13:7 KJV
In other words,
Remember your leaders (Nana in this case) who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. NLT (emphasis mine)
Nana gave us an example to follow.
I couldn’t help but be gripped with the sobering reality as I sat for several days on the hospice floor of Christiana Hospital waiting for God to take Nana home- it was a question that came to me over and over like waves to the shore as I watched people all around us saying goodbye to those they love.
“What did you do with Jesus?” It seemed to be the only question that mattered in this place.
Nana loved Jesus.
She sang about Jesus.
She committed Jesus’ words to her heart.
She prayed to Jesus.
She “lived” Jesus for all to see.
She was truly a gift.
For several days our family held vigil around my nana’s bed. Even my children were impacted, as they comprehended the gift her godly legacy.
PINIMAGESo if she could give us parting words, what would they be? Perhaps a song has been playing over in my mind these past few days. A song that I learned as a little girl.
I leave these words with you.
Only one life, so soon it will pass
Only what’s done for Christ will last
Only one chance to do His will
So give to Jesus all your days
It’s the only life that pays
When you recall you have but one life
Thank you Nana, for how you lived your life. We miss you and we’ll see you soon!
