Definitely not her smile.
I met Ida in July 2011 on my first trip to Romania when I was just getting started as an advocate for the homeless elderly there. The photo to the right reflects Ida’s ability to communicate extreme delight without speaking a single word. Such a jubilant reaction to such a simple gift!
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Is her joy reflected in my face, or my joy reflected in hers?
Yes.
I’m headed back to Romania next week, and, as always, I was looking forward to being with sweet Ida and all my friends there. But our reunion will be delayed. Ida suffered another stroke. And this one took her life.
Thankfully we were not just friends, but sisters in Christ. So Ida and I will see each other again, just not in Romania. Just not on this planet.
Can you even begin to envision what expressions we’ll have on our faces at that reunion?
But what comforts and cheers me today is imagining Ida leaving this world behind ... and then looking into Jesus’ face.
Oh. My.
Thinking about Ida being face to face with her Savior and Friend reminds me of something Fanny Crosby said. Although she was blinded as a baby when an incompetent doctor attempted to treat her eye infection, she became one of the greatest hymn writers in history.
“If I had a choice," Fanny said, "I would still choose to remain blind…for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Savior.”
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story, saved by grace;
And I shall see Him face to face,
And tell the story, saved by grace.
(Chorus of the hymn "Saved by Grace" by Fanny J. Crosby)
No fair making me cry this early in the morning. But it was a good cry. And I'm thinking not just about the expressions on your faces when you reunite, but oh, the things she'll have to tell you -- with a full and confident voice. Praying for you as you go, friend. Via con Dios!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, the stories!! And I'll hear her voice for the first time! Thank you, Lori. And thank you for your prayers as I leave for Romania Monday. Grateful!
DeleteThis is one of my favorite posts you've ever written, Kim. What beauty in the story of Ida and the beautiful thoughts you wrapped around it. I have read about the life of Fanny Crosby, but never heard her joy at the first face she saw being Jesus'. Lots of "take-aways" from this post, my friend. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail....you know how I loved Ida! And when someone you love dies, it makes Jesus all the more precious somehow... I didn't end up using this quote, but I like what Randy Alcorn says "..being with God and seeing his face is the central joy of Heaven and the source of all other joy." Thank you for your encouragement, Gail!
DeleteLovely story-- I have 2 huge bags of winter clothing for you brought to the Bible study by Sharon. When you return, maybe I can plan a road trip and come see you! L2U-
ReplyDeleteWOW dee WOW! I would LovE that! Let's talk about it!! Tell the Bible study ladies I say hello and keep those prayers coming! :)
DeleteTo see His face...Oh, the glory! What a beautiful thought. :)
ReplyDeleteYes.....YES!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved this post...maybe because I actually got to see Ida in person...or maybe because I loved the way you expressed that your reunion with her would be delayed...but that you definitely would see her again in heaven.
God bless!
Ann
Thank you, Ann. I'm so glad you got to meet Ida and all the precious folks at Viorel's homes. And to think that when we live and die in the Lord we don't say "Goodbye" we just say "See you later!" is a glorious thought. I will miss seeing Ida in Romania, but to see her WITH JESUS will be BEYOND glorious! Praise God!
DeleteThis one made me cry...you are such a talented writer and are such a blessing to so many people!
ReplyDeleteThis is zo touching. Thanks and greetings from a Europian mama.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. such a lovely testimony. I love the acronym BOG. I am so using that!
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring. You really are being the face of Christ to her...and her to you.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe trip!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil