Dear GodSippers,
This end-of-year reflection includes a conversation with my granddaughter, one with my Heavenly Father, and my dad’s last words to me. I share all of these with a heart full of appreciation for the life my Heavenly Father lived in my earthly father. My hope is for your encouragement and reassurance of the unsearchable depths of the love of God.
May we all move from 2024 through a Graceful Transition of Peace to a Greater Understanding of Grace in 2025.
On November 13th, my dad returned to his eternal home. I say he ‘returned’ because Heaven is where we begin and the home to which we return to continue our eternal life. Even as God chose us before the beginning, we were in Him.
My dad was an extraordinary man who lived a simple life. He worked hard and loved well.
Now, he is an extraordinary man living an extraordinary life in Heaven with his Savior.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” ~ Ephesians 1:3-6 (ESV).
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” ~ Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV).
I am still learning. Many encounters with the Lord have taught me He is far better than we imagine. He is full of mercy and grace. His ways are so far above our ways it is impossible to fully grasp His goodness. If we have made our theology a manageable, neat package, we need to stop and consider the depths of our God. He is not a theology, He is a Person. He is our perfect Father.
Dad would tell you, “If you could figure Him out, He wouldn’t be God.”
Consider that ‘From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.’
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?
Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
~ Romans 11:33-36
Theda Bea, my six-year-old granddaughter, wanted to talk about Papaw’s passing and related something to me the night before Dad’s funeral.
“Grammy, I learned at Christian Camp this summer that Jesus follows you everywhere.”
I listened as she continued to explain,
“Jesus the Son is living in Heaven, but His Holy Ghost follows you everywhere you go!”
This sweet little child truly understands. As complex as He is, our Good Father has made the truth that simple.
I was amazed by the timing of Theda sharing this particular thought on the night before the funeral. Her pure statement of truth confirmed what I had heard from the Spirit of God as I searched for words to share about Dad.
I knew I wanted to speak at my father’s funeral, but I couldn’t imagine how I would do it or what I would say.
Asking the Lord to help me and to give me the right words, immediately, I heard the reply.
“Tell them about Billy and Me.”
Such a good Daddy God. Again, making it that simple.
A few months ago, I was asked to speak at a gathering of women where many testimonies were shared. The event coordinator told me my role was to ‘pull it all together at the end.’ I considered this assignment one that might sound easy, but I knew it was no small task.
I listened intently to each of these unique life stories, looking to God for the thread that pulled them all together. Toward the end of the sharing, as I prepared my heart to complete my part, I expressed to the Lord with awe, “Wow. Everyone truly has a story!”
Holy Spirit reminded me as I prepared to speak for my dad the same thing He had answered then,
“And every story is Mine.”
Papa God gave me the scarlet thread of redemption to pull it all together at the end.
This most fruitful season I am experiencing continues to bring insight into this basic understanding of our existence.
The beauty and importance of each unique life story cannot be overlooked.
I am learning to celebrate everything, seeing God in it, and that He indeed works everything to our good.
As I meditated on His response to tell the people about ‘Billy and Me,’ I was moved that the Lord referred to my dad by his given name, Billy, the name Dad didn’t use as an adult, yet was his given name. I supposed that to God, our name must matter more than we know. I then transcribed exactly what the Holy Spirit spoke as He answered my prayer and gave me this beautiful poem,
A Eulogy from Heaven
There is only One among us who has seen everything
Whose heart was in it with us from before the beginning.
The One Dad loved and recognized,
There before his birth
And every breath from first to last
The One who gave him worth.
Though we’ve all had our moments
And stories lived to tell
There’s only One among us who’s known him very well.
From first breath into this world
And on beyond his last,
There’s only One who’s seen it all and One who’s held him fast.
They’ve always been together.
(The stories He could tell!)
But when it comes to days like this,
Our stories speak as well.
This life is one brief moment.
We learn that as we’re grown.
And each one’s sweet life story
Belongs to One alone.
You may or may not know it,
This most important name
Is of the One and Only son,
Jesus Christ who came.
Truly, every story of every life belongs to God, the Father of all.
One anecdote Dad told was about a bike wreck he had when he was very young in which he hit his head and lost consciousness.
Dad recounted coming to, looking up at the sky, and asking,
“Which road to Heaven?”
For a small boy who had never been taken to church or brought up in a Christ-focused home, this gives a glimpse into the depth and height of God’s love for us, as well as His ability to reach us regardless of all circumstances.
It is born in us to ask,
“Which road?”“How do I get back home?”
And in time, our answer comes. God is Mercy and Love. He is Grace perfected over our lives.
He will always bring us back to Him.
This is Home.
Christ is the Way there.
“Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” ~ John 14:6 (NAS).
“So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 (NRSV).
And today, as I point you toward home, I will leave you with my dad’s cherished last words to me,
“Turn off the porch light.”
Good to remember.
May God bless us with all spiritual wisdom, insight, and understanding in Christ this New Year.
Jill, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I know how important he is in your life. How many times did we have discussion on how smart that little Theda is. She just proved it once again. Find peace my friend and we will see what the new year brings to us all. Love and Gratitude
Dear Anne, Thank you so much. Receiving and sending blessings in abundance! Love to you.
Lovely honor for your Dad. Both Theda and Freyja are such old souls. They say such sage advice or reflection in a simple way but exactly what you need to hear. Love those girlies🥰❤️
Thank you, Margaret. They are some of my best blessings!
What a beautiful tribute to a very special man. I am so proud of you for doing that. It was very difficult but very rewarding and helpful to many. ❤️
Thank you, Pamaw.It means a lot to have your encouragement. Love you so much.
That made me cry, Jill. “Every story is Mine.” Love that.
Yes, Penny! He moves my heart to tears every time.
This is a wonderful reflection of your Dad a most beloved man. He remains with you and your family . Love you Sister Sherry
A true sister you are, Sherry Marks. Love you.
I mentioned before and will document it here: Your Dad was an Icon in the Church World and in the Community. He seemed “ageless” and like George Burns, it was easy to assume that he would be “with us” in that earth suit forever. Oh, but we all come to that time (who knows when?) when we are called to lay that “earth suit” down and go home to the place that we have imagined, believed for, and anticipate. He is there among that crowd now that cheers us onward and upward. May the memories you have keep you warm; May the tears you shed be those that are rich with tenderness and love towards him and the faith he carried; and May the Peace of God The Father remain to keep you ever watchful for that Hope-filled day when we will see him again. God Bless you, Jill, ….and your family.
Corinthians 2:9
New King James Version
9 But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Romans 15:13
New King James Version
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Frankie, I have no words to say how much you and this expression mean to me. All love, from the earth suit on! Praise God.
That was absolutely beautiful! I cried reading it. I did not know that your Dad went on home in November. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Dad was a great person and loved the Heavenly Father so much. Now he gets to be with him and praise him in person.
Diane, I love you, Friend. Thank you.
Thanks
Bless you, Ann.
I remember how touched i was when the photo you shared was texted to me along with some others of your Daddy with his bride on the front porch. Your words are beautiful and encouraging. Your Dad found his way home early in life and never veered off course. One of the faithful ones for life! He was always guided by Light and Truth. He mapped it out for the family. He really did listen to the voice Follow Me! I love you, Jill Steele!
Gay, you are a thoughtful encourager and friend. Thank you! I love you, too.
Love you!😘 ❤️😘❤️.
Love you, Jennifer!
I was so sorry to learn of his passing. I remember your dad, and see both your mom and dad together. They were truly one. He was a sweet and gentle man who loved Jesus deeply.
Thank you, Debbie! This means so much.
Jill: Your Dad was a wonderful friend while I was growing up in Good Hope and after I grew up he was still that very special friend!!!!!
Bobby, Thank you for your comments! There is nothing that pleases me more than knowing this. I consider you in the same category of great men and wonderful friends! I know Dad felt the same.
Blessings and love to you and Sherry.
So happy for your Dad, but sad for you and all the hearts that love and miss him. Thankful to Our Father, who guided you into the perfect heaven sent eulogy and message to impart to your family.
Oh, the heavenly rewards Billy shall reap, as he was a wonderful light bearer, here on earth. Your family and loved ones will reap the benefits of his faithful devotion to Jesus, for many years to come, as his prayers for you are being answered.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
You and your family are in our prayers. ❤️
Thank you, Michelle. We are so blessed!
This was an insightful read, and an honor to your Dad. I took encouragement from your words and thoughts. I’m sorry for your loss.
Holly, Thank you. It is affirming to know something shared here brings encouragement!
Jill, dear one, I am just reading this beautiful tribute. How precious in so many ways, and I love the heart of children, they teach us so much through their precious eyes and hearts. Love you and know your sweet dad is rejoicing, while he will be deeply missed on earth by you, your family and many others. With love and prayers!
Thank you, Donna! Dad truly lives on in Heaven, and by the legacy of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he has made an impact. We feel so blessed!
What a beautiful tribute to your father! Prayers for you and your family as you adjust to life here without him. He was such a gentle, faithful man and we were blessed to know him.
Linda, Thank you. It’s a different season, for sure. But every season is good. Your friendship means so much. You and Jim were always dear to Dad.