Today we are honored to have Yolanda Perry sharing her story with us on the Birthday Beach Bash and Blog Tour celebrating Kyle Mead’s upcoming 28th birthday.
Someone is going to win what would have been a gift for Kyle ~ $100. Wanna know how? Simple – see the picture below and do what it says. Invite your friends to join the chat too. The more the merrier, as my mom taught me.
A little about Yolanda Perry:
Yolanda is a devoted follower of Christ. As an author and speaker, she seeks out opportunities to spread the Gospel. Her personal mission is… To Communicate & Demonstrate Unshakable Faith! She is the proud mother of three and has one grandson, whom she adores. Her bonus family member is her spoiled rotten long haired chihuahau, Pennie.
May her words be a blessing to you.
Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)
I was planning for one of the greatest days of my life…not even knowing I was about to experience one of my worst.
One phone call could literally change your life forever. I experienced this fact firsthand.
It was a normal day at work. My son was in my office with me, finishing the last of his senior projects. His high school graduation was less than one week away. What an accomplishment for him, and even for me as his mom.
Suddenly this unexpected phone call came and overshadowed all of our excitement.
When I saw my sister’s number on my cell phone’s caller ID, I was ready for our normal daily chat. However, her words, this day, literally shook me to my core.
“Londa, Mama’s gone! She’s dead!” She sort of screamed those words to me, as she had not totally collected herself by the time she called me.
Shock hit me for just a few seconds before it truly registered. And then I lost it. If it were not for my size, you would have thought I was a toddler who lost a toy or some other prized possession. I fell to the floor and began kicking and wailing.
And while I was not a little kid, I had just learned that one of my greatest treasures would be no more…upon the earth.
I would never again be able to pick up the phone and call just to say hello.
I would never again be able to call and ask how to cook this or that.
I would never again be able to hear her shy chuckle when she’s given a compliment.
I would never again be able to hear her singing and praying through her house.
I would never again be able to see her thumb through her Bible.
Before too long, I realized that Mama’s death was not at all about me and what I had lost, but rather what she stood to gain–eternal life. God had called my mother Home because her work here on earth was done. And though I would miss her tangible presence, she was now where she longed to be, celebrating a life of forever with Jesus.
It has now been seven years since Heaven welcomed Mama home. And there are still moments that thoughts of her cause my eyes to leak a little. Sometimes I just miss her, and other times I am overwhelmed by memories of precious moments that make my heart smile.
Now I imagine Mama hanging out with Jesus like she did when she was here with us. I wonder what He thinks of her getting up at 2 AM to clean, with all the lights on, singing and praising God at the top of her lungs. I wonder what He thinks of her setting up her little portable speaker and cordless mic to preach to whoever will listen. I wonder what He thinks of her cooking up her yummy goodness and inviting everyone over so she could feed them.
After all these years, I was enlightened to discover that maybe just maybe Mama decided to take up dancing. I was introduced to this notion about a week ago. While flying across country for She Speaks Conference, I pulled out Susan B. Mead’s recently released book, Dance with Jesus: From Grief to Grace. As I read, I was filled with such hope and joy that melted my heart as I indulged in each story. Tears of joy flowed as I could recall every time God reminded me that Mama’s with Him, enjoying a great party!
My good day that suddenly became the worst day has resulted in
Click here to continue reading Yolanda’s words.