Psalm 71:23

She fought alcoholism, yet every visit to her home, and the times that she was in and out of her church were always accompanied by reverence for the very God she wanted to love. Inside its cover these words are written in her handwriting: “Reverence is one of the signs of strength.”

I have sometimes found more awe, more reverence and respect for the Holy in places where we might not have expected; and among people who have been wrongly marked as unbelievers. Struggling with personal faith may be a sign of a great belief.

Her problem led to a death that was probably before her appointment. I remember how she once wanted me to see her photo album. There were pictures of better days with celebrations and friends, and a good social life before the habit that she could handle became the one that handled her. It was clear that she wanted someone to know, someone to remember, that her life had not always been the way it had become. She Struggled to keep her reverence; and that is to be admired. If reverence is a sign of strength; then I think that she died a lot stronger woman that she thought she was. The last time I saw her alive, she prayed for me.

GOD told Samuel that outward appearances are not everything. That is what men and women look at, but GOD considers the heart. I once though that we cannot see the heart, but the Lord and years have taught me differently. The heart is visible, but judging has hindered our ability to see. As the Bible says, “We now see through a glass darkly…” In Heaven we will know as we are known; and what we will know is that the greatest of all is God’s Redeeming Love.

Another inspired song that you may remember:

“Redeeming love, a love that knows no limit
Redeeming love, a love that shall not die
My soul shall sing throughout the endless ages
With choirs extolling this great love on high”