I didn't know what to expect... a child... a young child... an adopted child... just before her birthday... just before Christmas... the child of friends... I'd never been to a child's funeral before. Here in America, this is no longer a regular occurance.
Much to my surprise, there was a tangible sense of peace and celebration as I walked through the doors of the church. More reverant conversation than tears, even occasional laughter. There were in the area of 300 in attendance for the service alone, all ages represented and many different nationalities as well. All united by this precious one's life.
Libby had fought tenaciously for her life ever since she had be diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at age 2. We were told she would not recover time and again. She defied the expert's predicitons time and again. Until this time...
As I stood in the receiving line, watching the power point slide show record of her life, the Lord whispered to me, "Libby fought this long because I asked her to, and she loves me. I told her she could come be with Me for her birthday this year."
I had no words for her mother. A hug, a smile... that's all I had. I stumbled uncomfortably making myself say something, "She's precious."
"Yes." her mother said, smiling, looking again at her daughter's body. Her eyes were dry. She exuded peace and contentment.
After a long pause I added, "What a wonderful birthday present."
Not skipping a beat she replied, "Absolutely! She's playing with Jesus now!"
I hugged her again and blessed her, moving on to her father.
When my turn to greet him came he pulled me into a hug saying, "It's good to see you! It has to be more than a year since we last saw you!" Hugging him back I agreed thinking, has it really been that long? Reflecting on it now, I imagine parents of a child with a terminal illness are probably very aware of the passage of time. Each day is probably carefully attended to and when complete, stored away in a treasury. It was evident that he was very tender in heart right then. I had been impressed to interceed very specifically for him over the last 6 weeks in particular. I shared with him how the Lord had lead me to pray for him and assured him of continued support. He received it heartily, holding back tears. I blessed him and moved on.
The service concluded with each of us hugging a balloon and sending it off to Jesus and Libby as our final farewell, that is, until we should meet again.
To recap what Libby's great auntie had to say:
Libby's life taught us 3 things...
- fight for life
- persevere - never give up, and
- come together in unity
and this is true. These are the good works that God had prepared in advance for Libby to do. And just like Jesus, whom she loved (this fact reflected in her preference for the men in her life), she finished her work and even now is beginning to receive her reward as a good and faithful servant. Oh, to have the view that Father God has of the fruit this will bear!
Precious! ... Yes!
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of those faithful to Him. Truly I am your servant, LORD, I am your servant, as was my mother before me; you have loosed my bonds of affliction." Psalm 116:15-16
