“The body that is sown (planted like a seed) is perishable, the body that is raised (instructed to stand up) is imperishable; a body is sown in dishonor (often misrepresented), it is raised in glory (in the hereafter…Heaven); a body is sown in weakness (self-criticism), it is raised in power (by the Trumpet of the Son); it is sown a natural body (given a certain number of days), it is raised a spiritual body (given an endless number of days).” 1 Corinthians. 15:42

Death of a loved one, (whether sudden or in due season) can, does, and often takes the wind from beneath our wings.  The ones who are left behind often are unable to process their feelings immediately or even after months of acceptance.  Feelings of shock, numbness, denial and/or remorse can linger still.  Even when reality sets in, deep forlorn sadness could cause a person to seek medical attention.

NEVERTHELESS, God desires all of us to go on living and to cast all our anxieties on Him. (1 Peter 5:7).

Over the past several years I have experienced the untimely demise of six of my closest relatives:  My father and mother, three siblings and one niece.  Consequently, in addition to this group of family members, my older sister and myself are the only ones left as the matriarchs of this family.  Of course, we both have our own children and grandchildren, but our core family members have whispered a fond adieu.

It is for this reason I searched my library files of short stories and poems I had written over the course of my life to see if I could find any blog posts I had written concerning any of my deceased relatives. And sure enough, I ran across a heart-felt poem my deceased baby sister, Kathy, had written to our mother on May 9, 2003. If I remember correctly, Kathy was asked by one of our mother’s church members to compose and present a tribute to our mother at a recognition ceremony at which the church had chosen to honor her for. The title of Kathy’s poem is “My Mother Prayed For Me“.

"Mother prayed and raised us all.  Separately she prayed.  Our names she did call. 
Although I strayed, my mother still prayed that one day God would help me find my way.
She prayed for me!

During all those dark years that I was lost, my two boys she raised and religiously taught; Teaching them how to pray and trust in God; Helping them to find courage to make a new start.
Yes, she prayed for me.

In God's own time He responded to Momma in kind; Speaking assurances to her heart with words of kindness; Promising that her wayward child would be restored; Today, relationships with my two sons have been renewed.
Oh, yes, she prayed for me.

During those years of darkness and deep black of night; It was Momma's prayers that brought me to the Light; She said He was a God of a Second Chance, maybe three or four; All I know is it was God's grace that reunited my sons to me forevermore.
God knows mother prayed for me.

As I reflect on my life I now see; How long and how deeply my Momma prayed for me; She earnestly prayed, that woman really, really prayed; And in my despair I heard my Momma pray for me.
Thank God, she never gave up on me...My mother prayed for me.  Hallelujah!  Thanks be to God!
My mother prayed for me.  Amen and Amen!

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