Graveside Service - Miriam Johnson, Oct. 20, 2012

Dust to dust.  When God created the first man, Adam, He created him from dust.  When Adam died, his body was reduced to dust.  So it is with all of us.  And as Eve was created to be a help meet for her husband, so Mom was a true helpmate for her husband.  God blessed the couple with six children, of whom I was number two.  Middle child syndrome runs strong in my veins.  Although I didn't appreciate it at the time, I now know what a task it was to raise six ornery kids, home schooling for many years, and giving each of us a lot of individual attention.

I have good memories of time spent with Mom.  She loved to read to us when we were small.  We would crowd around her on the couch at night and she would read Bible stories.  She was an accomplished pianist and tried unsuccessfully to teach most of us to play the piano.  She loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  I am not sure, but she may have even enjoyed home schooling us.  She was a good teacher, but I am sure I tried her patience.  Most of all, Mom prayed and worked tirelessly to see her children come to salvation in Jesus.  When I said goodbye to her last Sunday, although unable to talk, she was lucid, and smiled when I told her we would meet again.  Yes, the circle will be unbroken.  Gathered here are not only her children, but we have grandchildren and great-grandchildren here as well.  My challenge to each of you: don't break the chain.  Pray your children into the Kingdom.  Nothing would please Mom more.

Although we are sad, we do not mourn as others, who have no hope, because Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.'

The last year and a half of her life, Mom suffered from mind-debilitating dementia.  Last week she couldn't speak or move her arms or legs.  Now she can dance and sing the praises of her Savior with a mind that is clear and sharp.  She is reunited with her parents, her husband, a baby she miscarried, and best of all she is with the King Who she served during her sojourn on earth.

My parents, like Abraham of old, went out, not knowing where they were going.  They waited for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.  Now Mom has seen the city, she has seen God.  Now Mom is home.