“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.” Luke 2:29-32 NIV
I walked in the door tightly gripping my newborn child. It was as if I were presenting a gift to the queen; my pride soared.
“Grandmother,” I called, letting her know I was there. “I’ve brought someone to see you.” I held out my tiny pink-clad daughter almost forgetting her eyesight had long ago failed, and then quickly placed the baby in her outstretched arms. A smile lit up her paled wrinkled face as she felt the sleeping child before her.
My husband grabbed the camera and recorded the moment with pictures. My mom and aunt followed with their cameras. My dad, who had been sitting with Grandmother that day, had listened to her ask for me all morning. She wondered if I was bringing the baby to meet her. She was waiting. Dad sat down at the table and watched as his red-rimmed eyes leaked tears.
It had become increasingly obvious to us over the last few weeks that perhaps my grandmother was holding on to meet the newest member of our family. My ninety-four year old grandmother had been close to death for three months. But she just kept hanging on. She wanted to hold Grace.
Her wish was granted.
It was a Simeon moment.
The Bible tells us Simeon, like my grandmother, was righteous and devout. He was up in years, as well, the day he was led to the temple. The Holy Spirit revealed to him he would not die before seeing the Messiah. So when Mary and Joseph brought the baby to the temple that afternoon, Simeon took Jesus into his arms and praised God saying, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” His wish was granted.
Last night I believe my grandmother uttered the same words. You now dismiss your servant in peace. One week after meeting baby Grace, Grandmother went to be with the Lord.
What a legacy she leaves. Today she is worshipping a God she can actually see. Praise God.
Frances Chapman King
January 19, 1915 – October 11, 2009
In awe of a woman like this and a God like mine,
ohhh Carol…with tears of sadness & joy I write my deepest sympathies and
send the Comforter to surround you and your family with peace! So wonderful but sad that your gramma & Grace were able to meet and take such beautiful photos of legacy, true blessed JOY & memories recorded! How wonderful that they could meet! How touching the Boblical comparison to Simeon! May the Almighty be with you & send His Comfort, peace, love & eternal joy to hold on to the treasures & blessings of Frances Chapman King!
Now she walks with Our King & has come into her eternal rest & reward in His Presence! Big hugs of much love…Peggy
What a precious post, an incredible tribute to an amazing woman! Carol, you've told me so many stories about Grandmother, I know our Father is celebrating with His faithful servant right now. She was so eager and willing to be used by Him until the very end of her life . . . oh, that we can all do the same in the years to come, what a legacy!
I love you and am praying the Holy Spirit will surround you and your family with peace and comfort only He can provide.
blessings,
Amanda
What a precious post, an incredible tribute to an amazing woman! Carol, you've told me so many stories about Grandmother, I know our Father in heaven is celebrating with His faithful servant right now. She was so eager and willing to be used by Him until the very end of her life . . . oh, that we can all do the same in the years to come, what a legacy!
I love you and am praying the Holy Spirit will surround you and your family with peace and comfort only He can provide.
Blessings,
Amanda
Wow, God is good. What a blessing. Praying for your sweet family today.
Oh wow what a precious story with pictures…..Thanks for sharing…
This brought me to tears, what a BEAUTIFUL way to remember her, and how beautiful the pictures are!
What a beautiful tribute to the wonderful lady I know as Aunt Frances. Amazingly, I was unpacking the doily from my moving boxes that she made me years ago when I got the message. Perhaps she was saying good bye. God Bless to you and the rest of the family. I only wish I could be there. Much Love, Nanci H.
Mmmm…Mmmm…Mmmm girl. That is so good. That is so good.
I love stories like this. The ones so filled with hope. The ones that make you sad and happy all at the same time.
I just bet your precious grandmother is livin it up, all smiles and praises to her King.
Thank you Jesus.
Carol, you did a wonderful job on this post! I love your ending line!
How blessed you are to be left a legacy from a woman like that.
Sweet Carol,
I am so sorry for the loss of your grandmother. I know there are such mixed emotions when you lose such a precious part of your life…your heart is glad to know they are healed and whole and rejoicing with Jesus, but I know there is always that part that just plain misses them. I am so glad the Lord gave both you and her the sweet gift of that precious meeting!
Love and prayers,
K
Carol:
What a wonderful blessing for me to know your family! I'm sorry for your loss. What a blessing that your grandmother got to hold Grace! You're so sweet to share. I was so blessed to be able to visit Ms. Francis about 3 weeks ago. She had such a sweet spirit and was sharing some wonderful memories. The story I loved the most was the one of a delivery man that brought flowers a few days earlier. She had known him as a child. They had a good visit and she told us how he was one of her front yard Sunday School kids that she shared bible stories on a quilt in her yard.
When I heard your Grandmother had passed, I imagined her sitting in heaven on a quilt with children intently listening as she told them bible stories.
Your eulogy yesterday was so perfect. She indeed was a wonderful lady and faithful servant. Everyone who knew her will truly miss her. I pray God will grant you and all your family peace. "USE ME LORD", three words I shall never forget. Thank you for sharing such a powerful message. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Love You,
Corless
OH my friend…I had no idea…No idea..we have praying for you when the kids asked if Colin could come out to play. Awe Hon…I didnt realize it was her. How she has been on our hearts..and your right..everything is said…she was waiting to meet her. How blessed your family is. I am so sorry for your loss, you have Grace as a reminder how Good our God is. how you need her and your family right now. I will keep you in my prayers.. I love you so much.
I am just so thankful that God gave her that sweet time with Grace. I know that those will be treasured moments for you especially. What a mighty woman of God your sweet Grandmother was and boy oh boy….
Wouldn't you love to see what she is seeing right now!
Love you and praying for you,
steph.
Carol, what a beautiful journal this one is. One can almost feel the love that flowed between your Gran and little Grace. How perfect that she waited to meet her.
Blessings!
Such a beautiful post. Thank you, Lord, for Carol, and for her ministry to us. There are those of us who truly need her gift here daily. Please shower her family with blessings and comfort.
The story of Simeon in that temple has always touched my heart and many times my spirit has leaped after reading it. You have portrayed such a lovely comparison through your wonderful Gramma and daughter Grace. He enabled your Gramma to stay here for a very long time here on earth. What a beautiful example to your family and the adorable pictures for your daughter Grace to see her Great Grandmother. God bless!!
Catching up and checking in-
Carol, I'm sorry and joyful all at the same time. I am so glad your grandmother got to hold her and that Grace was able to feel her embrace, just as you did as a baby.
Comfort to your family!