I knew immediately that her tears meant that my cousin, Katie had gone on Home to be with the Lord, Jesus our Friend.

Katie had been stricken with cancer. She had smoked for years but I am not sure that that is what caused it. We had been praying for her and believing God for a complete healing. My mother and another cousin and my sister went to Virginia (Richmond) recently to spend a few days with her. At that time, my mother led her to accept Jesus Christ again. She already knew God, but my mother led her to again accept Him. They had a wonderful few days together and Katie went back into the hospital the day they returned to Maryland. She never left the hospital and God took her Home today.

Immediately, my mother reminded us all of the scripture which says that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Will I miss Katie? You bet I will. She was funny. She was down to earth. She was cool. I thank God she was able to come to my wedding a couple of years ago when she was still vibrant, healthy and whole.

Life is all about saying goodbye. You meet wonderful friends. You think those friendships will last forever. And before you know it, for any variety of reasons, you are saying goodbye.

Those funny uncles, cousins, aunts who were the backbone of the family, gone. Never to return because they are with the Lord.

Goodbyes are not easy. They are not fun. In fact they are often painful. But it is comforting to know that IF that loved one left here saved, they are in the bosom of the Most High God!

Yes, we are always saying goodbye. But with Jesus we have a constant and with HIM it is always hello because He is the God of new beginnings!

Thank you Jesus for the life that Katie Mae had here on this earth. Thanks for the time we had together. Thank you for sharing her gifts and love with our family.

And most of all, Lord, thank you for the comfort in knowing that you heal and comfort all wounds. And that in YOU, there is life eternal.

PRESS HERE for a song of peace to comfort you if you have recently lost a loved one or is missing a loved one.