GOING HOME!

Written March 11, 2007

I received this e-mail today from my friend Jeanne in Cahokia, Illinois. A very close friend of ours from church passed away a few weeks ago, Cindy Pennington. I was unable to travel to her funeral because of work, but I was not aware of this amazing event until Jeanne sent me this e-mail today. I remember Mr. Braun from funerals I had attended during my time in Cahokia, and he is definitely all business as she says. Read and be blessed and encouraged!!

Andi


Dear Family & Friends,

I would like to share with you the passing of my friend, Cindy Pennington. She passed away Saturday ,February 24, departing this life to go home to be with the Lord. She loved the Lord with all her heart. A rare cancer had debilitated her and she had hospice at home the last couple of weeks.
The story I want to tell you was told by the funeral director of Braun Colonial Funeral Home here in Cahokia. Anyone familiar with Mr. Braun knows he is very professional, carefully efficient and unemotional in all his duties. All the essential qualities of an undertaker, practical and all business. This however was about to change. The Saturday Cindy died, her husband Bob had called Mr. Braun to take Cindy to the funeral parlor and prepare her body for viewing. When the undertaker arrived, he entered the room to find the hospice bed empty, but over on the couch was Cindy with two women, one sitting on each side of her. Cindy sat there with her head on one of the ladies' shoulders. He thought how odd this was. How very strange indeed! When he turned around to talk to Bob who was by the hospice bed, he looked at the bed and there lie Cindy, dead in the bed. Looking back, the couch was empty and the women were no where to be found. He was visibly shaken by this event, remarking that, in all his years, he had never experienced such a sight! I know he had witnessed a glorious glimpse into eternity: the homecoming of one of God's children... Angels sent to bring Cindy home.This was a heavenly witness to the funeral director, who solemnly told the tale with wavering voice as he was moved to tears... Cindy went home to be with the Lord! I wont say she's finally at peace because she found the Prince of Peace long before that. God is real and his Son, Jesus, died on the cross for your sins. To know Him is to have the greatest gift! We who know the Lord have the promise of going to be with Him in heaven. I say to all of you who know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, never stop talking of Him! Tell your parents, husbands, wives, children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Don't be ashamed of the gospel.
Never stop talking about Him... Even when people who you love or don't even know, think you're just a religious nut. Remember you are not alone because He has sent His angels to watch over you. You are an heir of salvation! Never stop... Keep praying for your loved ones! Parents remember, there is much truth in the parable of the prodigal son ( or daughter). They will come home.