Four days ago we were told that my grandmother would not live through the day, but she did! In fact, she lived three more days before she went home to be with her Lord, her husband, her 1st born daughter, her parents, and her siblings.
Granny had congested heart failure. Unable to get enough oxygen, she grew weaker and weaker each day. There wasn’t much any of us could do to minister her…not even the medical staff. That’s when the angels stepped in and minister to Granny like only heaven can.
“It was late Saturday night,” the nurse shared. “I came to check on Mrs. Guffy and witnessed a beautiful site. She was communing with heaven. With her hands folded under her chin and her eyes lifted toward heaven, she laughed and mumbled in response to what she was seeing.”
“What was she seeing?” asked my mother.
“We believe she was seeing heavens angels,” replied the nurse. “At least that’s what others have called them when they were near death too.”
Hearing of Granny’s experience made me stop and think… why do we fear death when all of heaven comes to greet us?
Someone once said (I think it was a country music singer) that they didn’t mind dying. They just didn’t want to be there when it happened. But for the believer, death is the exact moment we see reality! The very instant that we take our last breath is when we breathe in the magnificent sight of God surrounded by His heavenly creatures in a setting called heaven so beautiful that it will wipe the memory of earth forever from our minds. Death is the doorway to everything we’ve been waiting for. And my Granny has arrived!
You have to understand. This is a new perspective for me. I hate death. Well, I hate the pain of death…that punch in the stomach kind of pain that leaves you feeling weak and helpless.
When you lose someone you love, like I have (a spouse), then every other loss just builds on top of the old pain making death an unbearable emotion for me. I’ve learned to crawl up in my heavenly Father’s lap, lay my head on His strong shoulder, and cry until the tears stop flowing. I’ve found its safe to grieve in the arms of God. But I didn’t mean to make this about me.
Monday was Granny’s birthday. She turned 99 years old. Even though she was unaware that it was her special day, the nursing home decorated her room and she received several birthday cards from friends and family. It’s just like Granny to wait here long enough for us to celebrate her birthday. Once her day had past, she quietly excused herself and entered the presence of God.
My grandmother was a true Proverbs 31 woman. Something I’m struggling to achieve. I mean…this model of a godly woman found in Proverbs 31 plowed fields for heaven sakes! Do you know what that would do to my manicure? I don’t even pull weeds. I spray Round-up, but that’s as close to the dirt as I get.
What about the fact that she rises early?? I seriously think there was a misprint here. It should read “she rises early afternoon!” I’ve never been a morning person! Does that disqualify me?
Granny didn’t think so. Even though she never preached at us, she lived out what she believed in hopes that we would catch it. Granny was a woman of prayer. She read the bible through three times. She spoke with kindness and wisdom. Granny made her clothes and her children’s clothes. She got up early and had dinner on the table every evening at the same time. She was a submissive wife, and she even plowed fields! Her godly lifestyle and prayers have not only impacted each member of our family, but they are a part of our heritage. A heritage I pray I’m worthy to carrying on.
Thank you, Granny, for loving the Lord out loud. Until we meet again…I love you.
Digging for Pearls says
Micca,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. But I can tell by your sweet tribute, that she was a wonderful woman. What a blessing it was to read this. Thank you for sharing, even through the pain of loss.
Your grandmother sounds very similar to my dear grandmother. She too was an example of a P31 woman. She went home to be with her Lord almost three years ago. I still miss her. She was a real prayer warrior.
I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, especially now as you deal with a funeral service before leaving for She Speaks. I pray that God will comfort you in a special way as you grieve and also prepare for next week. May He be very near and dear to your heart.
Blessings,
Jodie
“Pearls”
Kelly Combs says
Your blog brought tears to my eyes. What a blessing your Granny was to you! I am praying for the P31 team. Please know you are included in my prayer and that you are making a difference in peoples lives, just as your Granny did. As a matter of fact, YOU are HER living legacy. Amen!
Christie Todd says
Micca-
I’m sorry about your loss and pray that God will bring you His sweet peace and comfort. I’m in a similar boat – we found out that my gramps is in the final stage of cancer last week and only has a short time to live. Although, I will miss him greatly, I know that my goodbye will not be forever. What a great God we serve. I will be praying for you and the other P31 leaders as you prepare to share God with us next week.
ThreeGirlyGirls says
I’m so sorry about the loss of your grandmother. What a touching story about her experience…..wow.
I’m praying for you as you prepare for She speaks. I can’t wait to meet you and see what the Lord does through this time! I’m praying specifically for strength for you during this time of grief.
Lisa says
Loving the Lord Out Loud. That’s exactly what it should be. My Nana Ruth was a true P31 woman, too. She lost three children (two infants and one 3 year old daughter) but took her cares to the Lord every single morning. She was always awake before the sun, and even had a sense about her that knew when visitors were coming unannounced from far away. She’d tie her apron around her and prepare a five-course feast before noon.
I can’t wait to see Nana Ruth again. Maybe she’s having tea with your Granny right now. 🙂
Praying for you and your family as you endure the pain of separation from her. Also praying for you as you prepare for She Speaks.
Love and blessings!
Sonya Lee Thompson says
Dear Micca,
How precious it was to read this post today. You were blessed to have had Granny in your life. The seeds she has sown will continue to grow and multiply for generations to come! I know you will miss her, but one day you will be reunited with her.
Praying for you today that God will give you the peace that passes understanding as you deal with this loss and prepare for the upcoming She Speaks Conference.
Joanie Butler says
Micca,
I can so relate you your story about your dear Granny seeing the angels before she left to be with Jesus. When my Mom passed several years ago I was by her side. She had been sick for quite some time and the whites of her eyes had gotten very yellow. Right before her death, her eyes cleared totally. They became the most brilliant and twinklingly blue. She smiled so sweetly and squeezed my hand so tenderly and then she was gone. I have no doubt that she was looking into the eyes of her precious Savior. What a priviledge it was for me to be there with her as she walked into His arms. Cherish this memory and legacy that your Granny left you, and be sure to share it with your children often. My prayer is that the God of comfort will shelter you in His wings as you begin to face the empty place in your heart that your Granny’s passing will leave.
Be blessed!
Wanita says
Micca, I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother and am praying that God will give you and your family His comfort.
I’m looking forward to She Speaks. Bless you!
Bridget says
Hi Micca,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My granny died on January 28 this year and it was a bittersweet time for us too. Your tribute to her cracked me up…my granny plowed fields in rural South Carolina, cooked a major lunch and supper everyday and the list goes on. Hopefully you and I can press on and come close to being a P31 woman!!
On another note from yesterday…I love the new doo! I’m partial to the one with green…cause it’s a great color for you and your personality is such a huge part of your speaking. Green is my favorite color so I’m a little biased. Know that I’m praying for you over the next few weeks as you say goodbye to your Granny and prepare to bless the ladies at She Speaks. I’ll miss you this year, but maybe next year.
Joyful says
Beautiful tribute, Micca. So sorry to read of your loss.
I remember when my “Nanny” died. She fought for life until the end. She lived with my family and my Mom would always say to her every night, “See you in the morning”.
The day we received the call from the hospital that Nanny was slipping away, my Mom had just come home from the hospital to quickly change her clothes. She raced back, and as she hurried into the hospital room she cried, “See you in the morning”. My Nanny took one more breath and entered into the presence of her Lord.
You will see your Granny again some day…some morning…on streets paved with gold.
I will be attending “She Speaks” next weekend and I just wanted you to know of my prayers. I am praying and claiming Psalm 91 over you – that God will guard, guide, comfort and protect you and that you will find your refuge, strength and hope in Him.
Blessings,
Joy
Michelle says
What a beautiful tribute to your Granny. I’m sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time and as you prepare for She Speaks. May God comfort you.
Jen says
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother! Praise the Lord she went to be with the Lord!! It was awesome read your post about it. I will be praying for you!! God bless you! God will use this time in your life for good!!
Dena says
I jumped over from Lysa T.’s blog and am so sad to hear of your Granny. My Nana has been ill for 6months and so it was especially sad knowing that I’ll be where you are before too long. My prayers are with you as you grieve, that you will find special comfort from Him. Perhaps you will find that this happening so close allows God to work in some amazing way…..
Chef Diane says
Micca,
I am praying for you today and pray for some comfort in the coming days.
God Bless,
Diane
Lisa B @ simply His says
Hey Micca,
I wanted to let you know I’m praying for you and the P31 team. I know the devil is doing his best to distract those of us attending as well as those of you presenting. You wrote a fabulous tribute to your Granny. My Granny was 87 when she finally went home to God. She was so ready and even though I’m sad because I miss her, I know I’ll see her again!
Looking forward to getting a hug if we meet at She Speaks!
Robin says
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful woman your grandmother was!
I will be praying for you in these days leading up to the SheSpeaks conference. God Bless you.
Charlene Kidd says
Just to let you know I have been praying for you.
I am looking forward to next week.
Charlene
"K" says
Thank you.
Lysa asked that all proverbs 31 readers pray for all proverbs 31 speakers so hear I am, I’m praying.
“K”
Marilyn in Mississippi says
Beautiful post today! So sorry to hear about your Grandmother.
As Lysa requested I have been praying today for all you ladies on the She Speaks Team. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you individually and also as a group. You’re in awesome Hands!
God bless you!
Marilyn in MS
Carolina Mama says
Micca, God bless you at t his time. And I love the new pictures. Great!
Laura says
My prayers are with you during this time of loss. How blessed you were to have such a special role model in your granny.
I can’t wait to see you at SheSpeaks, Micca, and am praying so hard for you during this time of preparation!
Amy Jo says
Micca – I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Grandmother sounds like an amazing woman. My Grandmother passed away this year, and was also in her late 90’s. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post. Praying God’s blessings of peace and grace for you and your family. I hope to meet you at She Speaks. Blessings to you! Amy in OR
KelliGirl says
Hi Micca,
What a blessing your grandmother was. Your tribute was beautiful. It sounds like she lived her life like we’re supposed to…as practice for eternity. I’m so sorry for your loss.
We’re going to Arizona to celebrate my grandmother’s 90th birthday this October and she has been a light to me in my faith.
I’m praying for you and the P31 team as you put the finishing touches on She Speaks. The enemy wants to distract and control, but in Christ, we have the victory!
I can’t wait for She Speaks!!!
Blessings and prayers,
Kelli
Kelley says
I am sorry for your loss and the grief you are feeling. I am not good at dealing with death and fortunately I haven’t had to very often. However about a year ago I lost a good friend to breast cancer. She was only 42 and had buried two children as a result of a genetic leukemia. I remember being at her bedside when she was very near death and wondering if the angels and her loved ones were waiting anxiously on the other side, much like we anxiously await a baby’s birth. It was such a strange and comforting way to see death: Earth celebrates the birth of a baby and heaven celebrates the death of a believer…..
Dawn says
I am sorry for your loss; what a sweet tribute to your grandmother. My great-aunt passed away in March just days before her 96th birthday.
I am really looking forward to this weekend – I can’t believe it’s almost here!