The Good and Faithful

July 4, 2023. Independence Day. The themes are Liberty and Freedom.

We consider today a holiday. It’s derived from the word holyday. Holyday means a day set apart for commemorating an important event.

If I met the president of the United States, the Queen (now King) of England, or perhaps the Prime Minister, no matter if I agreed with their method of leadership or not, I would remember that day.

But no dignitary can hold a candle to Jesus Christ.

The day I see Him face to face will be the greatest day of my life. This evening, I’m thinking of a song by Dottie Rambo.

The holy hills of Heaven call me
To mansions bright across the sea
Where loved ones wait, and crowns are given
And the hills of home keep calling me

I see loved ones over yonder
Tears are gone, and hearts are free
And from the throne, King Jesus beckons
Oh, the hills of home are calling me

This house of flesh is but a prison
Bars of bone are holding my soul
But the doors of clay are gonna burst wide open
When the angel sets my spirit free
I’ll take my flight like a mighty eagle
When the hills of home start calling me.

One picture speaks a thousand words.

I didn’t know her very well, just a few words in passing, a handshake or two at a fellowship meeting. Many others knew her better and could speak about her life much better than I can, but I want to share what impacted me the most about her.

I saw a picture of her on March 26, 2023.
It spoke volumes.

She was sitting in a hospital bed reading her Bible.

Another picture on April 2, 2023, sitting in the hospital chair, once again, reading her Bible.

Those two pictures are the first things that came to mind when I heard the news today. I remembered seeing a picture of her reading her Bible in a hospital. That’s where you need the Bible but probably don’t feel well enough to read much of anything.

I remember those pictures because they encouraged me when I saw them. If she could keep up with her devotions in a hospital, I didn’t have any excuses. Those two pictures impacted me greatly. At the time, it was what I needed to see. Someone being faithful.

She desired to draw closer to her Savior. And now she sees Him face to face. She’s made it home.

We need more people like Sis. Tripp.
Faithful. Unwavering. Authentic.

What a testament to her life. What a legacy she leaves behind. And what Freedom and Liberty she now enjoys.

We will keep you all in our prayers during the upcoming days and weeks.

to the good and faithful Sis. Tripp,
– Caleb