Friday, May 28, 2010

Goodbye for now...

My precious mother-in-law, Barbara went home to Jesus last night. She was truly the strongest woman of faith I have ever known. Her 81 years on this earth truly made it a much more wonderful place.  I never heard her utter one negative word or complaint throughout her entire illness.

Barbara was such a humble servant of the Lord. Her favorite phrase was:   "It’s not the bush, but God in the bush, and any old bush will do!"  She must have told us at least a thousand times (at least 200 times over the past 5 months) that her faith, hope and love comes from Christ in her.  That anything we do for Him and for others is Christ in us.  This is an extension of her favorite verse - Phil 2:13 and also Galatians 2:20. 

Here is a photo of her on New Year's Day with her grandson, Nathan, just a few days before her diagnosis of liver cancer. Cancer is such an evil thief in this world. Please pray for her husband of 60 years in June as well as the entire family.

10 comments:

Joan Y said...

What an incredibly remarkable woman your mother-in-law must have been and what a wonderful legacy she has left! Her strength and devotion to Christ and his teachings is so inspiring! I'm praying for all of you ... *hugs* <3

Kristi Valiant said...

I'm illustrating a picture book about cancer for Albert Whitman right now, and am floored by the number of people cancer has affected.

Praise God, though, that your mother-in-law is now with her sweet Savior Jesus. My prayers are with you and your family.

Life's Beautiful Path said...

How wonderful to have such a spirit filled person in everyones life for so many years. God is our comforter. I'll pray for your father-in-law and the family. Love in Christ. Mary Nida

k.h.whitaker said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She must have had incredible strength and faith. I will say a prayer for your father-in-law; it's so hard to be without your spouse after so many years.

Anonymous said...

Phyllis I am so sorry!! So hard to have someone so special gone. But just knowing where she is, is such a comfort. Hugs and Prayers!

Janelle said...

We're praying for you all Aunt Phyllis! We love you so much, and rejoice with you that she's now with our Savior!

Love you,
Janelle

June said...

I am so sorry for the sadness you must all be feeling at losing such a special person from your family. Remember the wonderful times spent together, and hold your loved ones close.
I'll keep you in my thoughts,
June

Kathleen Rietz said...

Oh Phyllis, you know I am so sorry. I had a dream about you last night, and you have been on my mind. You and Brad have my deepest sympathy. Your mother-in-law was a beautiful lady, whose testimonials even touched my life through you. While it must comfort you to know she is with Christ now, the pain of loss is so difficult to deal with at times. My prayers go out to your family. It's been quite a year for you all!

Phyllis Harris said...

Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers. It really has been a healing balm for myself and my family.

Kelly H-Y said...

Oh, Phyllis ... I'm so very sorry for your and your family's great loss. She sounds like a true gem. I agree ... I hate cancer (my mom is battling metastatic breast cancer right now) ... I couldn't have said it any better myself ... it is an evil thief.