My grandmother lived to 90 years of age, and in the last week of her life she gave me a wonderful gift. I guess she had been in the hospital for a week or so. It is really hard to remember just how long we had been there as days tend to run together when you are sitting at the bedside of a loved one. She had not spoken in days, nor eaten solid food.  She mostly slept, but suddenly there was this moment of real clarity. My Aunt and I were there together, as she stated in a clear and commanding voice “hold my arms up.” So we did – my aunt on one side and I on the other. Then looking to the ceiling and with a sound of surprise she said “Mama!”, my great-grandmother that I only remember meeting once when I was about four years old. This was followed by a joyous “Roscoe”, my grandfather who had died when I was 16. And then in a voice of awe she said, “Oh my Lord!”

It has now been over 20 years since her passing, but I truly believe even to this day that my grandmother looked at the face of Jesus that day as she prepared to move from this earth to her heavenly home. The veil between heaven and earth was so narrow, so shear, she could almost touch it and what a privilege it was for me to share that brief moment with her.

I have often thought about that moment in the years since. I am grateful to know we will recognize each other when we get to heaven. I have even speculated which of my relatives will accompany Jesus when it is my time. The other valuable lesson for me was a real Jesus showed up when my grandmother needed him. Prior to that encounter when my grandmother struggled to catch her breath she panicked. After that encounter there was a sense of peace. For that I am most grateful. I believe in a Jesus that shows up still today. How about you? I would love for you to email me your Jesus encounters.

On the journey,
Ramonalynn Bethley

Ramonalynn Bethley is the pastor of First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. You can contact Ramonalynn directly at DrRevRL@fumca.org.