I am unapologetic about my deep interest in current affairs, most especially the politics of the day. Not only the presidential race and the survival of our nation as we know it, (no, that is not being overly dramatic) but, also the tumult in the Middle East and everywhere else the world is on fire. In all this, one can wonder what the Lord has in mind with all the disruption and potential for disaster. Is it because the world has turned its back on Him? One cannot help but suppose this to be true.
BUT, this afternoon, I am taking a break from pondering the terrors in our future, the uncertainty of our financial state, and that of our children. Instead, my attention is directed to a Facebook page dedicated to a young woman named Ruth. Ruth---what a lovely name!
Several months ago I read about this young woman, watched a video recording of her infant son being baptized while yet in the NICU bassinet, using a wet cotton ball to wash John with the saving water and Word. If memory serves, he was baptized by his grandfather.
The mom, Ruth, was diagnosed with stomach cancer during her pregnancy. Rather than risk the health of the baby with surgery or other treatment, Ruth chose to go untreated until such time it was safe to deliver the baby. Her cancer was advanced and the prognosis not good....at least for her earthly existence.
Now, Ruth is in her final stages, as folks expect at any moment to be told she breathed her last breath. Her baby lies alongside of her on occasion, as family and friends take turns helping to care for her husband and the baby. Both the parents are students, or were, at Bethany Lutheran College, MN, with Ruth being extremely gifted musically.
The postings on Facebook come in fast and furious, with today being no exception. Her father-in-law reports in every so often, telling how she responded when the Hospice nurse was there, about the prayers he says with her, and so on.
Her friends, and those who have never met her but are FB friends, send in their comments, wishing Ruth a speedy arrival in heaven so her suffering on earth will come to an end. Many, many, many are people who know them from school (MN and WI) report how they will remember Ruth. Her musical abilities, her kindness and sweet nature, the strength of her faith in God, her love, oh my goodness---the outpouring!!
What strikes me most (I have meant to write about this all week) are the hymn stanzas folks are putting in their postings. Our rich, rich treasure in the hymnals, the great bounty of comfort and assurance. Last week one woman wrote about the hymns selected for weddings. I somehow failed to notice, or was too distracted to notice, how many hymns end with the same thoughts---that of heaven. Ruth would play the organ and sing for weddings, which is even more moving about all this.
Nearly every posting remarks about Ruth's fine example of Christian love she is for others, that this will be her legacy for her son. I personally hope that someone with such a skill will be able to scoop the postings into a book for her son and husband to cherish. But more than anything, it's the hymn stanzas being posted that stir me, as many of them are favorites of mine.
My heart aches for this young woman I do not know, and for the husband and infant son, and for the parents on each side of the family. Perhaps a smidge more for her parents as they are not 'supposed' to be burying their children. Hopefully they will soon so Ruth can begin her time at the heavenly banquet, singing with the choir around the throne with the other saints and angels.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150540626434492
P.S. (from Facebook) At 12:38 am on Sept. 30th, Ruth passed from this life to the arms of her Lord in heaven.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150540626434492
P.S. (from Facebook) At 12:38 am on Sept. 30th, Ruth passed from this life to the arms of her Lord in heaven.
