As we all talked to you Ms. Susan thinking of various ways we would celebrate your special day bringing things that would bring a smile to your face; we never would have thought you’d get an invitation to party with Jesus for your birthday.
Today people who know and love you celebrate your 1st Heavenly Birthday. A day when you hear the best music from the Heavenly choir and you get to sit and have a feast with our Lord. There is no song we could sing or no banana pudding, strawberry icecream, or pasta salad that sounds so good or tastes so sweet. God loved you so that He knew you would enjoy walking on streets pathed in gold and where you could dance and praise and every day would be like Sunday.
As we studied the Beatitudes, the verse that stood out to me the most about you was verse 6. It reads, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Last Tuesday you told us some of the favorite things you had been craving and although God allowed me to honor you by bringing you that banana milkshake you’d talked about; none of us knew that a few hours later you would be called home to your eternal resting place. That’s right Ms. Susan, you hungered and thirst for righteousness, and on Wednesday evening not even 4 minutes after Jennifer, Mahima, Michelle and I left your room…God will quench your thirst and allow you be filled in His presence forevermore as you breathed your last breath with Wesley by your side.
Your church family had been on this journey with you and for those who could not make the physical journey, you allowed them to tag along in spirit and in prayer. You allowed us to pray for specific needs and it was amazing to see how God answered them so beautifully. The ultimate and final act of love on Earth is the one you gave your son, Mahima, and your granddaughters. While you were alert and very attentive, you listened and watched intently while Abigail danced and sang for you. You allowed Ariel the opportunity to sing her for precious grandmother as well. And in those final moments when Abigail prayed for Jesus to come, you my Beautiful friend reached out your hand, and took that final step, entering into the gates of Heaven.
We never know when we will say our last goodbyes, but the gift of being present and alongside you and your family in prayer in the final days, hours, and minutes are moments our hearts will be forever grateful for. Ms. Susan God allowed us to leave our nets behind and be present with you.
As I look back over last Tuesday and Wednesday I am amazed at how God used Zoom to connect us all together. Pastor Steven’s family was diagnosed with flu, several of our church members like Mr. Richard were in the hospital or were also under the weather and so Wednesday night meal and gathering had been canceled. We thought we would just be together again on Sunday but God placed it on Kyjah’s heart for us to all gather together via Zoom; and so we did. It was one of the most POWERFUL hours of prayer that I have ever experienced in my life. Pastor Jackie can pray Heaven down, and indeed she did!
God allowed the Body of Christ to lay down our nets to bring comfort, support, and be present not only in word but also in deed.
Page 42 of my Sunday school book says, Jesus freely gives healing to those who seek it from him, demonstrating the power of God’s kingdom. Ms. Susan you sought God and He brought healing to you on Wednesday afternoon at Lexington Medical Center.
To the family and friends of Ms. Susan remember what Matthew 5:4 says, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
It is my opinion that Ms. Susan was a fisherman (fisherwoman) of people. There were so many people from different walks of life, different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, races, etc. who came together to show respect, support, love, and solidarity to you.
I am honored that God would call me and my Brothers and Sisters in Christ to leave our nets behind and to be present in these final hours. I’ve said it over and over but God knows my heart and He knows why this touch touched home for me.
Brief moment of transparent reflection: On March 3, 2021 back during Covid we had all of our Bible Studies on Zoom. My mom was not feeling her best this night but was adamant on not missing Bible Study. She knew what an encouragement it was to her Pastor for her to be present and she remained faithful. Her body was tired but she made it all the way to the end of the Zoom. Shortly after my mom began her transition to her Heavenly home.
I had a flashback ending last Wednesday night prayer line via Zoom in comparison to ending the Bible study back on March 3, 2021. I was distracted by something I’m still healing from (but thank God I’m healing) BUT by the grace of God I heard God’s voice and I listened. I had my day planned out but God told me to drop it and take my friend her banana milkshake. Rico had grown ill and had to be seen by the ER doctors and I knew my kids were outside but I asked God to watch over them while I was present with my friend.
We’ve had a few snow days and it gave us all an opportunity to slow down and to catch up on sleep, rest, family time, reading our Bibles, etc. What have you done with the time God has given you? Have you listened to His voice? Have you thought about how you too can be fishermen of people or how God is calling you to leave your net behind and be about Your Father’s business. There are many sick and shut in around us, take time to visit them and don’t be afraid to stay a little while. Our world is hurting and it needs your touch.
Ms. Susan thank you for the life you lived, for the blessing you were to me and others, and to the legacy of being a fisherwoman of others that you are. Happy Heavenly Birthday dear friend. I’m sure Rush’s banana milkshake compares NOTHING to your Heavenly milkshake you get to enjoy today. Get your rest sweet lady. Oh and if you get a chance can you tell my mom and daddy I love them and miss them (and I’ll see them one great morning)!
Oh Oh and Oh….How this blessed me right here. Hey Ms. Susan. Happy Belated Forever Birthday in eternal glory. Excuse me Ms. Susan while I get my shout on praising God! Oh Glory Halluejah! Yes! Yes! Yes! No more pain. No more sorrow. No more tears. Just Eternal Praise, Joy, Happiness, Excitment…You see I see it now….the it….the celebration. You see Ms. Susan I have been losing people all my life not to say that I am the only person…but all my imediate except for uncle Joseph and uncle Joe Alvin are allllll up there with you worshiping the I AM. I used to be sad about death…but I have been listening to Steven Furtick and putting the pieces together. God loves repetition…..and it’s for a reason. Well this time, let me celebrate! Let’s celebrate Ms. Susan! You see you were a big part of my ump. You gave me an ump moment and I didn’t even get a chance to explain it it you, but one day I will. So back when you were at national health care, you asked if I would pray over you with oil. You see back in the day not too long ago when I was a little girl, in church, we would have to go up to the alter to ask for prayer, join the church, put money in the offering plate, ect… and the Pastor would have the extra virgin oil oil prayed over it and make a cross on our head and would pray for us. Now Kelly called it an “oil” prayer but it was just prayer for us. This was Ms. Susan’s wish from me. Well I didn’t get a chance to make that happen but God’s plan was so much more than my prayer and I am glad. God took away Ms. Susan’s pain and I bet the one of the first things she did was run to God in her new body. A body that was made perfect…a body that does not know pain, arthritis, cancer or disease! Oh Halleujah Somebody!!!! Jump up and Down with me. Shout to the Heavens and know that trouble don’t last always. Know that God is Jehova Rappha, God is the provider! Halleujah!!! Glory Be to God. Help me Holy Ghost! Ok. Now. So Ms. Susan, I personally wanted to say to you is that you help light a part of myself that went dim and I thank you for it. You see Ms. Susan, I felt I was not worthy…you see I thought Kelly should be the one to annoint you and pray over you. She is an ordained minister and well me….I’m just a little old lady praying for her friend. I felt as though I wasn’t close to God enough….but Ms. Susan. I believe God spoke through you to me. You told me you felt so much better and you didn’t know I made a cross on your forehead at first. But then you told me you felt soooo much better and that you were not washing your fore head. Ms. Susan you have me chills and I had to think about who Jesus was around and who he used….the hemmorghing woman, the blind man, protestitutes, lepers….so why not if God to use me. I’m not perfect by any means and you Ms. Susan made me feel worthy and I thank God for you and that moment. So when we were at the hospital, and you asked me to pray for you again, I was doing cart wheels and back flips, and praise dances in my head. I was very happy and proud because of how you said you felt. So this was my prayer from me to you all the way in Heaven even though you don’t need it, here is what I would of said, Dear Heavenly Father, We come before you today knowing that you are the one who is our refuge and strength, our ever present help in times of trouble. Your World reminds us of your mighty power and your unwavering love, and I am so thankful for your presence in our lives. We are reminded of your promises and yoru faithfulness. You are like a consuming fire, a source of purification, and a shelter in the storm. Your righteousness and justice are the foundation of our lices, and your wisdom guides us on the path of righteousness. I thank you for your protection and peace you constantly provide. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure, Help us to continually seek and honor you in our lives. We intercede for those too in need around us that they find comfort and hope in yoru presence. Bless us with your grace, healing and peace. WE offer this prayer with a heart full of love and faith knowing aht your are our refuge adn strength both in the times of trouble and in times of joy. In Christ name we pray, Amen. I pray it would have been a blessing to you and made you feel better even if it was for 5 minutes. I love you and thank you. Until we meet again, Enjoy your forever with the family.
This is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to help you live the good way that He called you to live. The goodness you have makes you want to do good, and the faith you have makes you work. We pray that with His power God will help you do these things more and more.
2 Thessalonians 1:11