Proverbs 3:7,8—Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Delnora Erickson left earth on Monday morning. She was 91 years old when she completed her race to meet Jesus at the finish line. She was an inspiring example of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. This amazing woman never lost her thirst to grow closer to her Heavenly Father. Even as an octogenarian her creative mind would not find a hammock to gracefully swing on old lessons. She launched a fresh study of the Old Testament to identify every reference to Christ. Often she would gleefully share her findings oblivious to the fact she was repeating herself, and what did it matter she was excited! I recall many times talking with her and she would ask, "Do you think Jesus will return before we die?" Then with sparkling eyes she’d exclaim, "Oh, I think He’s coming soon!"
This beloved artist and writer possessed an insatiable appetite for the Bible. Who but God knows how many lives she touched through her long life as a Sunday School teacher, Bible Study leader, published author of children’s stories and devoted sharer of Christ.
Most amazing was the quality of life she led. She was hardly ever ill. Despite the deaths of two of her daughters one to diabetes and the other to cancer, and the wretched suffering of her pastor-husband in his final years, her own health remained vibrant. She shunned evil. She was not perfect. Yet, she feared the Lord and like a child sought to live a life pleasing in her Father’s eyes. To be physically healthy the body must effectively resist germs and disease. To be spiritually healthy, the spirit must withstand and overcome sin. One may take vitamins, antioxidants and other vital supplements to keep the body sound. But the key to attaining spiritual health is to fellowship with Jesus—the Living Water, the Bread of life. Though the body will eventually fail us, the spirit in love with Christ will never see decay. She knew this.
Today her spirit soars in the presence of the One to whom her life was devoted. I am glad my children could learn and be blessed by the godly heritage of their great-grandmother. Grandma, we will miss you. We love you. Thank you for your example of what it means to be healthy. Hug my mom for me. And yes, we’ll be home soon! Won’t it be great to all be there together with Jesus. Something to think about . . . in
Inspiration
