00:39 |

I am Free
(Author By Linda Jo Jackson, Ottawa, Canada)

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.
God wanted me now; He set me free!

This poem was read at Sis Linda Sim's memorial service by Bro Eddy. And I found it all so meaningful and true. And when he said "I" each time, I just hear Sis Linda's voice telling me all that.

It's been an emotional night.

Tears didn't whelm me as I stepped into the church building, thinking I would when I saw the coffin lying in the auditorium. Yesterday (Sun) too when they brought her in and set up, I was all fine. It was always at the moment when I took my step nearer towards her to see her and pay my respects to her, that my tears started to well up.

A pretty, chubby and lively sister, now lying motionless with purple lips from the lack of blood flow and suffocation. It pains me.

And then I think of those times that I spoke with her, face to face, on facebook, through writings, I tear.

Today during the service, I had a clear view of her picture from where I sat. Her smile, as described during the eulogy that she would always almost put on a smile, was still as vibrant and vivid as ever in my mind. Each time they mentioned her during the service, through prayer, and through singing, she kept filling my mind. And hearing the sniffs of the others around me, and seeing man such as Bro Paul and Chee Young cry, I couldn't help by go along. I couldn't sing any hymns today coz I got too emotional. And knowing that these people have more memories with her than I do, made me feel the loss even greater. We walked up to pay our respects to her, and to have a look, and then to comfort the family members who were at the side. But I wasn't strong enough and instead no words came out from me, but a handshake to them and a hug to Sis. Angeling (Sis. Linda's sis) whom I love dearly too.

But as through this, I began to understand better, the pain and sacrifice that Christ went through for our sake. He went through a more painful death on the cross but gave us the hope of salvation through the resurrection of His death.

And Sis Linda Sim is now in heaven, with the promise of eternal life and a mansion prepared for her. But nonetheless, she continues to be an encouragement to all that are surviving because of her love and her care that she has shown and given whilst on earth. And I hope that through her death, she is able to bring more people towards the kingdom by the services and the love that the brethren show towards she and the family during this time of bereavement.

I'm sure that she wants everyone to believe that there's a mansion prepared and treasures layed up in heaven. And that's what I want everyone to believe too.

Our life on earth is just but a passing. It's what we do and accumulate up in heaven that matters. And whilst I sat there thinking, what is it if I was suddenly called up to heaven? What would I be leaving behind?

Friends and family members, I want you to be with me in heaven. And I want to meet all of you again. Would it be possible?

Love,
Rachel

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Posted by pinkdelights
14:42 |

And I thought I'd be stronger than this.


Since Wed we have been receiving news about Sister Linda Sim's condition and that she has been warded into hospital. And it just got worse. She went unconscious and then into a coma. Her organs began to fail.

This morning, we received news that she was confirmed brain dead and they removed the machines that have been keeping her alive so far. Soon after, she passed away.

She suffered from a very rare disease called pulmonary hypertension. More can be read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulmonary_hypertension.

She is only 34 and has a little boy, Ravel, who is only 2 years+. She leaves behind a lovely family and many brethren in Christ.

Sis Linda Sim has always been a very encouraging sister-in-Christ. Whenever she could, she would pop by in church or on facebook and ask how was I and what am I doing now. She would share her experiences and advise. She brought me up in church, teaching me God's word, always being an encouraging sister. She has been a great example and I will always love her. I'm very happy for her that she is able to be with the Lord now and ended her suffering on earth. We will meet again, Sister!

Dearest sister, you will always be missed. your fighting strength, courage and love for the Lord will always be an encouragement to me. Thank you for bringing me up and teaching me to walk the right paths of life. And for all the advice and stories that you've shared with me. I'll always remember you!

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