Our Heritage of Faith
You’ll have to forgive me…. I am a bit of a mess.
My Grandmommy went to be with Jesus just moments ago. I was literally pulling up this post to type it – and got the text from my mom. Even when hospice is called in and you know the days and hours are coming, there is nothing like the sting of death. The final word.
The absolute overcoming emotion of grief. My personal sadness is real – losing someone I absolutely adore and my last grandparent on earth. However, my heart immediately went to my dad . You see, Grandmommy was a mom to three great kids. My dad, my Uncle Bob and my Aunt Mari. Three amazing kids feeling way more intense emotions that I could ever start to imagine. Three married-in kids like my mom who have called her “mom” and meant it.
I also crumbled a bit under a wave of guilt and regret. You want to turn back time. Say more, do more. Thank more and love more.
That is when our sweet Jesus arrives on the scene through whispers to my heart and through sweet encouragement from those I love.
I’ve got her. She was loved. You did love. She’s happy as she’s ever been.
Besides Marion Kirby’s drop dead gorgeous outer shell – the one thing most people knew above all else… her love for Jesus Christ. EVERY DAY, she was talking to someone about their eternity. EVERY DAY, she was praying about someone that didn’t know Jesus. EVERY DAY, she was praying for one of her 3 children, 2 daughter-in-laws, 1-son-in-law, 12 grandkids and 25 great grandkids. Whenever I saw area code “334” on my phone – I knew it was her and she was just calling to say she had been praying for me. What a woman.
I know tonight my sweet angel Grandmommy – is the happiest and healthiest she has ever been in her life. She is reunited with my dad’s dad – who I was never able to meet. Robert McClure. She is reunited with her longtime husband and sweet Granddaddy to all of us – Robert Kirby.
She is likely seeing faces all over heaven – that she helped bring there because of her undying faith and belief in God. Her eyes, they sparkled when she was happy. I can just imagine her face right now.
I am grateful for the years we had together. I am grateful for her grace, her poise, her quiet sweet spirit, her determination and strength to carry on in life. I am grateful for her grateful, humble spirit.
I BEYOND thankful to Jesus above that I went to see her just before Christmas and will treasure every second of that day in my heart forever. Our final hugs and hands clasped and sweet grins. Her proud grin seeing Ella again. Her tears of joy when we showed up.
This woman was loved, deeply. And, how could we ever pay for her back for the heritage of faith she has imparted for generations? We can do just that. We can love Jesus like Grandmommy did. Raise our kids like she did – to know and serve Him well. We can pray for our kids, our grandkids and our great grandkids and smile and be content that we are child of God. That was Grandmommy.
I’m so very honored to say I am one of hers, yes, THE MARION KIRBY of Eufala, Al. I am one of hers. And I pray you will know Jesus one day because of the heritage of faith that started with Marion, my sweet Grandmommy.
Photos from various family events these past few years.
I am sorry for your loss, but I love the words you shared about your Grandmother. Makes me miss my own so much. Oh how I want to leave a legacy like this. I am thankful you posted this today…I just know it will encourage many who have faced/are facing the same situation.
marty – me too. the song legacy by nichole nordeman is one of my favorites.
Oh Courtney….my heart aches for your sadness right now. What a beautiful tribute to a woman whom loved you so!! Never forget, in our earthly grief, the JOY of knowing she is dancing with Jesus today!!
i appreciate stacie. you are exactly right. she loved no one more than Jesus. Dancing for sure!
What a lovely tribute! What a blessing to have her a part of your life and your children’s lives. Praying for the God of all comfort to comfort you in your grief, but also celebrating with you because she is now with the true LOVE of her life, Jesus. And one day you will be with her again IN HIS PRESENCE and there will be no better place to be!!
Wendy
thank you wendy. i can’t wait for that day. and i can’t wait to be with you this summer at she speaks!
I’m so sorry for your loss….I have to share that I lost my last Grandparent (my Grandma) exactly 2 years ago from when you wrote this- on January 12, 2012. I was just telling my mom that we were cooking dinner and when I looked over and saw that my husband had thrown in some collard greens in an old steamer pot that she used so many times- it made me think it was a tribute to her- cooking her old southern favorite, in her old pot. She spent hours over the stove cooking for our family every Sunday afternoon, as well as anyone who came around. That was her way of sharing her servants heart with others. What I wouldn’t give to have one more home cooked Sunday afternoon meal with her:) I’m glad to see you have such beautiful memories and pray for you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing- that was a beautiful tribute to an obviously very special woman.
that is crazy! exact date. what a great way you can continue her legacy with those meals. much love.
Praying for your family!
thanks friend!
Praying for you!! & your family!! You described her so well & with the pictures you added, I feel like I knew her too. I LOVE how she’s folded her arms in some of the pictures: ). Very determined!! Thanks for sharing her example…I want to be a prayer warrior too for my family. Blessings to you!!
i loved that you noticed her folded arms. so sweet.
In tears reading this. Praying for you and your family. xoxo
thanks sweet ashley. praying for your transition. stay strong. he will show up during this pain and surprise you in many ways for your obedience to move.
What an wonderful tribute to an amazing woman. She will be missed here on earth, but we can be envious of her going home to Jesus!
no kidding paige. i had a dream the other night about my other grandparents. i can’t wait to be there!