What She Might Say

Last night as I stood at the kitchen sink, my mind reflected on Lolita Porter. Mother, friend, confidant, warrior and support to many. A wife to one. This past week was the first anniversary of her transition from earth. Lolita saw her children and grandchildren kept alive by the grace of God. None were lost. She lived to celebrate many milestones in their lives. She saw the love of her life come back home to Christ after a prodigal experience. She was blessed with family and friends who loved her beyond measure. Even in the tough times, her bread basket was never empty. She indeed lived, laughed and loved.

I had seen her pray and believe for many things. What had she ‘died in faith’ believing for? What did she not see materialize in her life time? If we were to ask her today about those things, what would she say? Having fought the good fight of faith, what might she say to those of us coming behind? Those of us who have been waiting and believing for that ‘thing’. That thing that consumes our heart and mind. The thing that leaves us in a crisis of faith. In light of eternity, what are the things that truly matter? What might she say.

To her daughters and grand-daughters she might say be patient, forgive quickly and guard your heart from the poison of bitterness. Love even when it’s hard. Hope when ‘darkness seems to hide His face’. Remember that God uses the less than perfect. Trust the process. It’s in the wait that you’ll be strengthened and your character gets refined. She might remind them that no one will ever love them like their heavenly Father. It is His opinion that truly matters when it’s all said and done.

To her sons, she might say – show up and be present; there’s some one waiting on you. Stay on the Potter’s wheel and find your worth in Christ. Chanel your energy into those things that have an eternal value. It profits nothing ‘to gain the whole and lose your soul’. Life is a series of well-designed battles – choose your battles wisely. Be careful what you give your strength to. She might remind them to make room for Christ.

To all of us she might say, ‘it’s worth it all when we see Jesus’. We brought nothing into this world and for certain, we’ll take nothing with us. She might caution us to be wary of our ‘trade -ins’. Don’t trade things you can’t lose for earthly things that fade with time. Guard your peace and shun all that taints your soul. Avoid battles that have nothing to do with your purpose.

She might remind us that Father knows best. He always gives us what we need. When He says no, it’s always from a place of love. She might encourage us to trust in the faithfulness of a God who never lies. Quite often our prayers out live us. Things don’t always materialize in our lifetime. Live from a place of gratitude – it’s the antidote for complaining and unbelief. So what she hadn’t received in her lifetime, she didn’t need for eternity. She might say Heaven is better than this! Much of what we pine after, may not matter – in light of eternity.

“And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” 1 John 2:17