“God, please don’t take Grandma from me yet,” I frequently prayed. Though I’d moved to the USA and Grandma remained in Jamaica, the world felt a little less scary and lonely because she was in it. “But when you take her home, Lord, I promise I’ll give her eulogy and tell those in attendance about her and how she pointed me to You.”
One day God whispered to my heart, “It’s time to let her go.”
“I know, Lord.”
The next morning, my father called to tell me Grandma had died.
“Can I give her eulogy?”
Daddy said yes, but later called to say that the minister of the church where her funeral was being held said no. He suggested someone else speak because family members were often too emotional. Instead, I could choose a Scripture to read from the list he’d sent.
But I’d made a promise to God and felt His conviction to keep it.
The Holy Spirit reminded me of the story in Acts 5:17-29. The religious leaders of the day forbade Peter and the apostles to speak of Jesus and imprisoned them. But an angel of the Lord released them at night and said, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”
When Peter and the apostles were brought before the religious leaders again, they replied, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
I chose a Scripture perfect for Grandma and that I could use as a springboard.
At the airport in Boston, fog and windy weather delayed departure. In Miami, storms rolled in. My connecting flight was canceled, forcing me to spend the night.
The following morning, I settled on a couch set apart from the main seating area to await my flight and fretted about my plan. I feared public speaking. Bucking authority was unusual for me and made the situation even more terrifying.
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Despite the many seating options, a dapper dressed older couple made their way toward me. Her bronze face exuded joy, and his, peaceful determination. The man bent over his cane, leaned toward me, and looked me square in the eyes. “Where are you going and why?” His forthrightness startled me. Nevertheless, I spilled my story.
“One shall chase a thousand and two put 10,000 to flight,” he said. “You’re filled with the Holy Ghost, and that minister is going to have to sit down when you stand to speak.”
With minutes before the service started, I slipped into the church pew next to my beloved aunt Winnie.
“If you turn this into some kind of revival service, I’m going to march right out of here,” Aunt Winnie said. The last thing I wanted was to cause her more heartache as she mourned her mother. My much-adored cousin Butch, whom I’d revered since childhood, now an atheist, sat on her other side. He’d opposed me in the past when I’d merely bowed my head and silently prayed over a meal.
The church was packed with family, friends, and my dad’s business associates—people I hadn’t seen in years and many who I’d likely never see again.
Help, Lord.
I approached the podium. The minister sat ramrod straight, statue-like, in his high-backed chair while I spoke.
After raising Aunt Winnie, Grandma adopted my dad (her nephew) and raised me until I was nine years-old, and she’d aided other children too. I spoke of her heart to help the less fortunate, of her rolling gardens, how she took no guff, ruled her household well, and gave long hugs. Her love preserved and helped guide me through some turbulent waters. “We listened to Billy Graham preach on Grandpa’s old wooden radio on Sunday mornings before we went to the little stone church. Grandma loved me no matter what; I was always welcome in her presence—a glimpse of God’s agape love.”
Butch caught my eye and smiled.
“But Grandma isn’t gone,” I said. “She’s just gone on ahead.” And I read my chosen Scripture from the list the minister had given.
“Jesus said in John 14:2, ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.’ — Because of this, I look forward to our reunion one day.”
I shared that they too could know Jesus and His love, receive forgiveness and assurance of eternal life and a heavenly home.
I slid back into my seat, relieved Aunt Winnie had stayed. She reached over, took my hand, and said, “I know you had to do that.”
The minister and I had an amicable and productive conversation afterward, and came to a quiet, compassionate understanding.
At the reception, several said what I’d shared touched them, which led to further discussion. “I’m proud of you,” my atheist cousin said.
Oh God, what if I’d cowered and not spoken?
Prayer: “Lord, please give me strength when I’m weak, courage to obey You and boldly speak truth in love in fearful times. Thank you for the gift of salvation and hope for a glorious reunion in eternity. Amen.”
- Your Turn: What do you risk by not standing for righteousness or stepping out in faith as God leads?
- Handwrite ten Scriptures that counter your fears and encourage holy boldness.
This true story was originally published
in the 2024 compilation devotional book titled
Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions on Bold Faith
(AVAILABLE HERE: https://amzn.to/48LKLDe)
with all profits from online sales going to support
Light for the Future mission in Guatemala city.
This ministry supplies education
and presents the gospel to marginalized children .
NEW RELEASE: Blessed to be a contributor to the 2025 devotional compilation book in this series.
From Ruins to Restoration: 50 Devotions to Revive Your Spirit and Renew Your Faith is now available on Amazon: *Kindle sale for limited time .99 cents https://amzn.to/4a1TJP9 Paperback: https://amzn.to/4pBaRjB
***Profits from online sales donated to relief efforts in #Jamaica following #HurricaneMelissa and to Light for the Future ministry.
Don’t miss my latest interview with Pastor Michael Duncan, otherwise known as Master of the One Man Sermon! LISTEN HERE: Grit & Grace: Michael Duncan: Author, Pastor, Master of the One Line Sermon Returns.
MORE NEW BOOK RELEASES!
Pastor Michael Duncan is author of the newly released, In His Grace: Volume 4: A Daily Devotional. (Part of a 4 volume set.) https://amzn.to/4q51F6P
BOOKS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!
Pastor Duncan’s Amazon Author Page
features an array of titles offering nurture for the new believer, teaching on leadership, discipleship, Christian living, and a few fiction fantasy titles too.
Art for the Soul: Celebrating 70 Years of Soulful Painting by author and master artist Dr. Bill Nichols. Features photos of his 100 paintings with 30 paired with the stories that inspired them and the spiritual truths and symbolism behind them. Visit his artist site here. AVAILABLE HERE: https://amzn.to/3MHvj3A
Prickly Pears: 30 Devotions on Finding Peace, Purpose and Hope Even in the Midst of Your Pain: https://amzn.to/4oOaGA3 Dr. Bill Nichols’ Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/4rW9ZHG
And the latest releases from Phyllis Clark Nichols ~ Dr. Bill Nichols’ wife: The Unwelcome Visitor at Grey Sage! (Book two in the Grey Sage series.) AVAIALBLE HERE: https://amzn.to/4oV5Xwt
Sacred Sense from a Second Look: Book 2 (A Devotional) AVAILABLE HERE: https://amzn.to/4rTUBf1 Phyllis’s Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/4q87WPk
100 Prayers for Writers: Creative Fuel for Inspired Work by the inimitable bestselling, award-winning author, literary agent, and international speaker, Bob Hostetler ~ God’s presence fell during the first prayer. Buy the book, writer. One for yourself and a few copies as gifts for fellow scribes. AVAILABLE HERE: https://amzn.to/4aeQJPp
Bob Hostetler’s Amazon Author Page: Phyllis’s Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/4q87WPk
Gideon’s Book, a novel by multi-award winning author Maureen Miller. (One of the most gifted authors and beautiful souls I’ve been blessed to know.)
Three souls searching for purpose and healing. From the sun-soaked beaches of Myrtle Beach to the quiet streets of Eden, North Carolina, Gideon’s Book traverses both time and place, exploring the transformative power of faith and self-discovery. A time-slip novel, Gideon’s Book invites readers to pull up a chair and have healthy, heartfelt conversations about tough issues. Mostly, it points to God’s redemptive character in a broken, imperfect world. AVAILABLE HERE: https://amzn.to/48Sfaju ~ And her Christmas article: Unwrapping Rest in Christmas Stress
Canyon of Deceit by bestselling, award-winning novelist DiAnn Mills ~ Clean read romantic suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. AVAILABLE HERE: https://amzn.to/4qbTDJE
PRIOR POSTS
- A Time to Disobey
“God, please don’t take Grandma from me yet,” I frequently prayed. Though I’d moved to the USA and Grandma remained in Jamaica, the world felt a little less scary and lonely because she was in it. “But when you take her home, … Continue reading “A Time to Disobey” - Grit & Grace: Michael Duncan ~ Author, Pastor, Master of the One-Line Sermon Returns
Feast on a banquet of truth from one who greets life’s challenges with grit & grace. Michael Duncan: author, pastor, master of the one-line sermon returns as my guest interviewee. Undeterred by threats, he shares wit, wisdom, and some wild stories including … Continue reading “Grit & Grace: Michael Duncan ~ Author, Pastor, Master of the One-Line Sermon Returns” - The Futile Pursuit of Worry
Jesus told us not to worry because he knew we would and thus need this counsel. God gave us His Word not for us to use it to bludgeon ourselves or each other, but to instruct, encourage, correct, redirect our missteps, and … Continue reading “The Futile Pursuit of Worry” - Unconscionable Delay
Delay. Sometimes it’s divinely ordained, but most times it’s due to our negligence or obstinance. There are sins of commission (those we do) and sins of omission (when we fail to do as we ought).
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© 2025 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On your Heart
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What a precious thing to obey God in those situations.
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Grateful to God for strengthening me to obey. Thank you for reading, Pastor Pete. May God continue to bless you in the ministries He’s called you to.
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