Have you ever had one of those moments when the veil between this world and the next seems to lift ever so slightly, and you feel a “hug” from the other side?
What I’m about to tell you actually happened to me 12 years ago, but I was reminded of it last night during BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) when we were sharing our answers to a question in our study in Zechariah. The question was about how God has met and encouraged you during a difficult or grief-filled time.
My sweet mom June passed in 2009. This is the last pic we took together . . .
Move ahead five years to 2014. I was out running errands one day. Nothing huge. Target, Costco, a Chick-fil-A Ice Dream cone (an errand staple). Then I ran by the bank to grab some money from the ATM, all while missing Mom so much. You know how grief just hits you out of the blue. I was thinking about how she had worked in a bank for so many years, and how we used to laugh and have such fun together while shopping and running around town. Then…
As I was counting my money, I noticed a twenty dollar bill that looked distinct from the others. Different print. And it was older…
I looked at the date on the bill and teared up. 1934. The year Mom was born.
Don’t you love it when God gives you those special moments? When the Creator of time and space and everything that exists cares enough to reach down into a routine day—and into your grief—to let you know that he sees, that he’s with you.
When was your last “lifting of the veil” moment from the Lord? I’ll carry this one with me until I see Mom again. And long after.
Much love from my balmy corner of Nashville. Oh what a difference three weeks can make!
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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I lost my mom when I was in my 20’s. Grief is so hard to describe to others who still have their loved ones. Even now, nearly 40 years later, I miss her. When I prepare one of her dishes, I cant help but think of her and how she cared for us. The bandage over my heart sometimes rips open, even so many years later, and I ache to see her. It helps knowing I will see her again.
Peace and Blessings to you.
Jocelyn
Oh Jocelyn, I’m so sorry you experienced that loss so early on in your life, friend. I love preparing my mom’s dishes too (and definitely do this on Thanksgiving, which makes that holiday extra special, and even use her dishes to serve them in). There’s something about doing that that makes her feel closer somehow. I look forward to meeting your precious Mom when I get home. It’s such a reassuring blessing to know we’ll see them again, isn’t it. Thank you, Jesus. And thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I lost my mother in 2004, then my father in 2011. They are always in my thoughts. When my husband passed in January, 2023, I wasn’t ready to lose him, but I knew he didn’t have to suffer anymore. His last career (after many changes) was as a Methodist pastor. I was comforted by the fact he had said numerous times, “I’m ready to go whenever God’s ready for me.” Our granddaughter was only 15 at the time and had such a close relationship. She was devasted, but wrote down thoughts at the urging of the minister who was doing the funeral. They were beautiful memories. When she came to me at this time last year, and said, “I am having a hard time. I’m still grieving granddaddy.” I told her grief is always there, but it changes. When the veil is opened, as you have just mentioned, it is reassurance that God is there, and He sent us the Comforter.
Such hard losses so close together, Betty. Bless you, friend. And oh yes to the reassurance that God is with us, and that we have the Comforter, the Advocate. I love that she was so close to him. That in itself was (and still is) such a gift. I know you’re a wonderful grandmother to her, too. My parents are never far from my thoughts either. I carry them with me, and the Holy Spirit is so kind to bring memories to mind that warm my heart and make me so grateful all over again that I had them as my parents.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful heavenly hug from the Lord. God is good that way. My mom passed away with cancer in July 2021. I can hardly believe it’s coming up on five years. At times it seems like yesterday and other times like forever. I miss her every day and thank God I will see her again. The day she died at the hospice center, her husband (my stepdad) and I walked out of the building together and were met with a vibrant double rainbow arching across the sky. It felt like one of those God hugs and left both of us in tears. Even when it hurts and we feel alone, we never are. God’s always with us. Blessings to you, Tamera!
You’re so right, Deena, that at times the loss feels so fresh, then at others it feels like it’s been far longer. Amen to seeing our moms again. Wow on that double rainbow! Is God not just so good! These temporary goodbyes hurt, but thank you Jesus that they’re only temporary. In him, the best is always yet to come! And our moms are praying us home even now. Hugs to you, friend.
Tammy, I love the photo of you and your mother in turquoise. You’re both beautiful. What a gracious God to give you this reminder of His presence and faithfulness. I’ve had several of these. Probably the most dramatic was when I worked as a missionary in the LA ghetto. I lived in a house in the ghetto with five other women. Our lives were being threatened, and I was afraid. One night I went to bed, so weary I didn’t think I’d hear my alarm in the morning. I asked God to wake me so I would be on time for work at the ministry office.
The next morning I heard the sweetest, most loving, rich voice that sounded like water running over a stone path.
“Carol.”
Immediately awake, I looked around my room. No one there. God had answered my prayer in an incredibly precious and beautiful way. That was years ago and tears are coming to my eyes as I recall it. He is still answering. Thanks be to God who in His incomparable love meets us where we are. God be with you.
Oh Carol, bless you for sharing that. It brings tears to my eyes as well. God is so kind and good to us, and truly does give the BEST gifts! Amen to all you said, and praise his Holy Name!
Oh, I’ve had several of these moments. One after my sister died from a traffic accident with a drunk driver. I was trying to get my young son who was three or four at the time, to go to sleep. It had been a week or so after her funeral and I was still in shock. He kept waving his hand and I said, “Who are you waving to?” He smiled and said “Aunt Glenda. She waving to me from heaven.”
I cried tear of sadness and joy. I believe he did see his Aunt from heaven. It was a touching moment. Another one happened after we’ve moved to Florida and I was lonely and kind of scattered, but everywhere I went I saw “Be Still.” On a necklace I just happened to pick up at an art festival and then in the Church program on Easter Sunday and in several other places. Be Still and Know. So I got still and got myself together and even now, I know that is my verse. Your story is so sweet.
Lenora, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister, but what a precious gift from God to comfort you! I believe he saw her too, my friend. God’s compassion and kindness never ceases to amaze. And you’re not going to believe this but my “word for 2026” is Be Still. I love sharing that with you. I’m working on being still this year, in so many ways.
That story blessed me today, Tammy! Loved it.
Thanks, Becky. I love that you and your mom are so close too.
Such a beautiful story, Tammy. It reminded me of when my sister, Kim, was killed in a car accident at the age of 21. The accident happened on a Saturday and the following Monday, I received a long, newsy letter she’d mailed to me. So touching and so reassuring as to how strong her faith in Christ was.
Oh Deb, I’m not sure I knew that before now, but I’m blessed for learning it. God’s perfect timing. I’ve told you this before but I look forward to meeting Kim once I’m home—and to seeing your own precious mom again. What JOY awaits us! Praying your dad is feeling better. He’s such a treasure.