The grandest reunion is coming

It happened eight years ago. A young woman from my home community was stricken suddenly with a catastrophic stroke. She, like I, is the mother of boys.

One of the horrible side effects that Gina’s been left with is the inability to speak. Despite all prayers for healing, in the face of countless pleas for those words to return, for all cognitive function to be restored, she suffers still.

Her family continues to grieve her losses, which are many and severe. Their suffering has been incalculable. Today, one of Gina’s nieces shared a blog post I’d written at the time of the incident. (You can read it here.) Touchingly, she added this, “…I am reminded of who Gina was before the stroke and am brought to tears. I would give anything to hear advice from ‘peanut Kayla.’ While some days are full of questions to God, I am continuing to trust in His plan for her life.”

Eight years out from the event that changed all of their lives, I am reminded of a couple of important truths. First, we know and believe that Gina will be completely healed one day. If it doesn’t happen here, it will happen in heaven. Gina made her eternal arrangements with God long ago, and God has not forgotten.

Second, because she abides in Christ and Christ in her, he lives within her core. Knowing Jesus like I do, I believe that he communicates with her in ways that her tired, damaged brain can hear and know. Tender Shepherd, he, who never leaves his sheep. He cares for her actively, constantly, moment by moment and day by day.

“Jesus loves me, this I know. Jesus knows me; this, I love.” Though she cannot speak, Jesus can. Though she cannot be heard by human ear, her heart is heard by his, and this knowing affords great consolation.

To all of those who love Gina, may you continually find comfort in the loving presence of God. May your hope never fade as you await the glorious day of reunion. For just as any lively family reunion that happens down here where stories are exchanged, a feast is spread, hugs are given, and joy abounds in the faces of loved ones coming together…just as it happens down here, so will it be in heaven, only vastly and extravagantly more.

There awaits for you (and for us all) the grandest of family gatherings where all shall be known, all shall be healed, and all will, at last, be well.

With love from this Kansas girl,

Rhonda