Dance Above the Grave

"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave." Acts 2:26-27a 

 In a poignant moment, loved ones huddled together - the toughest moment in life this side of heaven - and lifted voices above the grave. 

Just a closer walk with thee. Grant it, Jesus, is my plea. Daily walking close to thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

And as the notes rang out, and tears choked, two great granddaughters danced innocently above the grave.

It's never an easy thing to lose a loved one, especially one who lived fully, laughed often,  and loved unselfishly. One whose life - every part of it - built a legacy.

Her Maker's fingerprints were all over her - in her smile, her good humor, her touch, her voice, her embrace, her faith, and her worship.  And these things - tangible and intangible - built a family legacy; an unshakable joy-filled faith, passed from one generation to the next.

And this unshakable joy-filled faith - mingled with mourning - could not be contained, even at the grave. For Jesus lived and died and overcame the grave - for her - for all of us. And in his death we find life and if we have life in Him and live in our Maker's presence for all eternity - even before death - what is not to celebrate?  

Dancing above the grave? Oh yes! Oh...YES! Dance! Dance and dance and celebrate and embrace the life lived with Maker's fingerprints passed onto you and me! Celebrate life in the here and now and the here-after. For when we take our final breath we inhale heaven. And we stand face-to-face before our Jesus and meet our Maker...and dance!

In loving memory

of

{Clara} Bonnie Witham

11/14/1925 -1/24/2012

Just A Closer Walk With Thee Hymn
author unknown

I am weak, but Thou art strong;

Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

I’ll be satisfied as long

As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world of toil and snares,

If I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares?

None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,

Time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o’er

To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.