That is Unusual

Beverly*, a 94 year old friend, who is my sister-in-law's mother - lives in Redding. I have had the joy of visiting with her over the past few years we've lived here. She lost her husband a year ago and that led to some very honest conversations about her life and how her childhood was full of sadness and loneliness. She was an unwanted child and no one in her family showed kindness or affection. These stories were things her own children had never heard before.

Beverly* and I talked a lot about the goodness of God, Catholicism (which is what she grew up with) and forgiveness. Recently her daughter let me know that she was "gravely ill". I asked if I could visit her. Her daughter resisted and said she was mostly sleeping and wouldn't be able to hold conversations. I believed the Lord wanted us to see each other one more time - so I asked again. Her daughter agreed and we scheduled a time for me to be at the acute care center.

Before I left my house to see Beverly* - I spent time with the Lord asking Him to download to my spirit everything He wanted me to bring to her. I specifically sensed the Lord asking me to bring the new book that our friend Jason had just written and given to us: "You're Invited". It felt a little funny to bring a children's book to read to a 94 year old woman - who is very well educated. But I knew that if the Lord asked me to do it - He had a plan.

Right as I was walking in her room at the care center, Beverly* was waking up from a nap. She was bright eyed and very articulate. We were both so happy to be together. We talked about lots of things and after a bit I asked her what she spent most of her time thinking about - as she is no longer able to walk or even stand up. She shared concerns about her kids and grandkids. Then she said "To be very honest, I think day and night about Heaven and whether or not God is going to allow me in."

As soon as Beverly* shared her concerns about Heaven - I got teary-eyed because I knew the Lord was moving. I asked if I could read her the story and she was happy to listen. Before I read the last few pages - Beverly's* eyes closed and she was asleep. However, I was confident that this message was for her spirit and even if she wasn't hearing with her ears - her spirit was receiving. I finished the book and began thanking the Lord for what He was doing. A few minutes later she opened her eyes and said "That is unusual." I asked her what was unusual and she said "All my life I believed that it was my responsibility to find some kind of key to get into Heaven." The Lord had given her the glorious revelation of GRACE! I started crying as I said "Jesus is the way...He is THE way to Heaven and your part is to place your trust in Him...."  I held her hand and prayed and thanked Jesus for inviting her to be with Him in Heaven. She quickly fell asleep again. As she was sleeping I was asking the Lord to give her glimpses of Heaven. As she slept..she giggled. I knew there were angels in the room...preparing the way for her transition from this life to Heaven. When it was time for me to leave - she asked if I was leaving the book. Of course, it was for her to keep. I left that room in AWE of the way the Lord revealed Himself... even to a 94 year old woman through a beautiful children's book.

*Name changed to protect privacy