on to glory

I don't really have any idea who reads this, but I want to share with whomever is listening. I just got news today that a precious woman is on her way to glory. Her name is Lois Murray. She has been battling for years against cancer, trying to honor Him in it all. He has brought blessing after blessing, but has also allowed some very difficult and painful times. She has struggled, as any of us would, but she has clung to His grace like only a warrior could. His grace is what has brought her this far. I praise Him for the testimony I've watched in her.

On one hand, I'm grateful. I'm grateful that she is soon to be free from pain for the first time in a long time. I'm grateful that she will soon be gazing into the eyes of the One who has held her close to His heart throughout it all. I'm grateful that, as she and her family know well, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain," and that she is moving ever closer to "the God of all comfort." She is so close to the glory, the freedom, the peace, the joy, and the awe that she has dreamed of and lived her life for.

On the other hand, my heart breaks. By His grace, and through His story, she has been a testimony to many. She will be loved and missed by many. There will be a huge hole in the Murray home and in many hearts. Pray with me that God would wrap His arms around that family even more tightly than He has already done throughout the trials of the last several years. Pray that the lessons, love, service, and words of wisdom that she has poured into her family would radiate in each of them as they learn to better serve each other in the coming years. Pray that the seeds of her trust and reliance on her Father that have been planted in those who have been touched by her, particularly her children, would grow and blossom and glorify Him even after she is with Him. Pray for her in her last moments. Pray for her husband, Shannon, and her children, Cara, Travis, and Alisa, as they trust Him for so much.