I was talking with Scott a little while ago and he said that today was good. I felt like he had some much needed emotional rest from the turbulent past couple days. I know there are some really tough days ahead, and I'm thankful that he had a day of rest before tomorrow and Wednesday.
Scott is going to get through this. It will not be easy, it will require many of us rallying around him, and ministering to him selflessly as he and Jill have ministered to us so selflessly in the past. He will be changed, and he will have a deep wound that will never heal, but I believe God will grant him the grace to bear it.
I have had one verse William Cooper's song God Moves In a Mysterious Way going through my mind all day.
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste (this bud certainly has an immeasurably bitter taste)
But sweet will be the flower
Some of us were praying before Scott got home today and I prayed that verse. After the prayer Clif and Adam both told me that they had been thinking of that song today. It is very appropriate, and it would do you much good to meditate on it.
I saw first hand what it looks like to bear one another's burdens today. I am so proud to be a part of a church that takes that task seriously. I can't brag too much on our deacons, they can deac with the best of them. I was so encouraged by the way people have gathered around Scott and began working on the church, and worked together to make sure Scott doesn't have to worry about anything. Our church is showing an incredible amount of love for their pastor. Keep it up.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
A Day of Mercies
Posted by JB at 12:03 AM
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3 comments:
I am Andy, Jill's brother. The memorial service for Jill at her home church, Keltys First Baptist, in Lufkin, Tx was wondeful. The sanctuary was filled with probably 400 plus people, all of whom were heartbroken as we over the loss of such a special person. Pastor Mark Livingston preached about the things that Jill loved - Jesus, God's Word, discipleship, missions, her church, her family, her husband Scott, and her son Bryce. It was an opportunity for those in attendance to hear the word of God preached boldly as I'm sure she would have wanted. We then had a time for several people to publically share some memories they had of her followed by a time of prayer with as many as wanted all gathered around our family at the alter. We dismissed with 2 verses of Amazing Grace, sung accapella by everyone and what a joyful noise it was! For nearly another hour, folks waited to speak to all of us, greive with us, and encourage us. So many have offered so much to see that our needs are met and for this we are very thankful. I described Jill's life in an email earlier today as 34 years of high impact on the people she was around and the crowd tonight was just a small sample of the numerous ones she touched in some way or another.
I just read about Jill in the Conway paper and my heart is broken. I knew Jill in high school through youth group activities and church camp and met Scott when I was at CBC. I was amazed even then at how strong of a young Christian woman she was. I'm not sure why this has hit me so profoundly today as I've had no contact with either Scott or Jill for over 15 years. Maybe it is just that they are my age and I knew them to be such good people and it is so difficult to understand why something like this can happen. I know deep down that it is in God's plan, but that still doesn't make it any easier to understand. I cannot imagine what you are going through Scott, but I do know that God can and will sustain you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shane Westmoreland
Conway, Arkansas
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