Two-Thumbs Up

Dear Friends,
Every Saturday afternoon, Bonnie makes the rounds, checking on residents at the assisted living community where we serve. This past Saturday, our thirteen-year-old granddaughter Savannah was with her. They first visited Anne Macha, a woman who it appears will soon be going home to be with the Lord. After visiting with Anne, they went to see one of Anne’s dear friends. It is difficult to find adequate words to describe spiritual experiences, but I asked Bonnie to share, as best as she can recall, what happened during the two visits.

“When I knocked on Anne’s door,” Bonnie began, “Marlene, her caregiver, let us in. As usual, Anne looked pretty; she seemed peaceful. As we talked, Marlene applied polish to Anne’s fingernails. Anne drifted in and out of consciousness. Every now and then, she’d crack a smile and seemed to connect. I held her hand, careful not to mess up her still wet polish, and prayed — Dear God, you know we love Anne, and you love her a thousand times more. Help her to feel loved, protected, and pain free.

“As we were leaving, I turned to Anne and said, Anne, you look fabulous.

“Anne replied, ‘All dressed up with nowhere to go.’”

The truth: Ann is all dressed up with someplace very special to go. That became crystal clear when Bonnie and Savannah went to the next apartment.

Bonnie continued, “Anne’s friend also faces health challenges. She opened her door and smiled broadly. ‘I’m so glad it’s you! I need to talk with you about Anne. I’m afraid no one else would believe me.’

“She paused to collect her thoughts. ‘They might think I’ve lost it.’
“‘What happened?’” I asked.

“‘A couple days ago I was visiting Anne with some friends,’ she said. Anne was in her wheelchair, and as I leaned over to speak to her, suddenly there was a huge bright light coming toward me from Anne — I believe it was the face of God.’”

“I asked her if it was Jesus.

“‘No! It was God,’” she said confidently.

“What did He look like?

“‘I can’t really describe it — it was a great light — and I know it was God. I felt an incredible peace and I knew Anne would be all right, and I know I will be too.’

“Did any of your friends see the light?

“’I don’t think so. No one else said anything.’

“I asked if it would be OK for me to share her experience with our friends at Chapel. Rather enthusiastically she said, ‘Yes; but please don’t use my name — I would not want people to think I am seeing things!’

“I hugged her at least three times and told her how blessed I felt that she would share her story with me. “Savannah and I left the apartment, looked at each other to see if we both had the same feelings, held hands and walked to the Chapel. When we got to the Chapel, I asked Savannah and Ben, another volunteer, to pray for me. I was overwhelmed by the spirit of what we had just experienced, and I wanted to share the testimony in a way that would glorify God.

When I finished telling what had happened, the faces of those in the Chapel indicated a ‘knowing’ that it was real. Savannah caught my eye and gave me ‘two-thumbs up.’”
The following Scriptures put a solid ‘Amen’ on what happened.

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)

There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!” Psalm 4:6 (NSRV)

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Psalm 27:8 (NIV)

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; Psalm 34:4-5a (NIV)

I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
Psalm 119:58 (NIV)

When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the LORD. Exodus 34:29 (NLT)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 (KJV)

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:10 (NLT)

Blessings,
Your Friends in Christ