It has been over eight years since my father passed away, and today: November 28, 2020: I lost my mother.

But, I am not an orphan.

I have my Heavenly Father. My hope rest in Him. I know that both my parents had professed their faith before and so I trust in His promise.

And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”

Luke 23:43 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/luk.23.43.HCSB

If Jesus can promise a thief in his last hour that he will walk in paradise, then I assure you that everyone has that same opportunity. We who have believed have been adopted into God’s family as children.

I may be without my parents today, but I am not an orphan. I still have hope. So I pray that each of you will take an opportunity to cry out as the thief did. I still have faith and so I ask that you join me in worship.

It is also fitting that this Sunday starts Advent. It is a season of expectation. We long for Jesus. But we also long for reunion with passed loved ones. First is Hope. Then Peace, Joy and Love. These four qualities are what will get me through the next few days.

I have Hope in the promise of glory. There is more than what we see, and so I know that we will meet again.

I have Peace in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

I have Joy in the anticipation of our reunion. Because of God’s glory Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us.

And I have Love for Christ and all those that mourn with me.

Yes I am mourning. I would not be human if I weren’t. But I am also rejoicing. She is no longer suffering. She has been reunited with my father, my uncle (her brother) and my grandparents. Most importantly, she is with Jesus!

With so many blessings from Christ….

I am not an orphan.