Preparation

I could spend the next 7 days writing about Shannon Wham’s mama, and what type of impact she has in his life, but I won’t.  What I will say is this:  I dreaded this day, somewhat, as Shannon’s direct words almost 3 years ago was, “Take away my guns, and be ready to haul me into the loony bin, ‘cause when mama goes, I’m all comin’ apart.”  Now that is paraphrased, but read it with a deep southern drawl, and know that there was truth in it.  I knew God would provide here, and He did.  I arrived about 30 minutes early, and helped the mortuary guys move the casket from the hearse to the lowering platform at the grave.  Slowly but surely, many people showed up---family, friends, the Waffle House lady.  He certainly was in control, but I hadn’t seen Shannon or his wife Dana yet---he could have had a downward spiral and started the process as stated above.  However, God has been working in Shannon’s life, and as I listened intently, staring at Shannon as he gave his mother’s eulogy at a graveside service yesterday, his eyes were as clear as the cloudless sky, and his words as crisp as the morning’s air.  It was God’s strength pouring through him, and it was certainly a great ceremony.  Shannon closed with the timeless truth of the Gospel, and pleaded to those who were there who were not Christians.

All of this to say this---I feel God is preparing me for this trip.  He is paving the way to help me learn to Listen for Him and to Him, as He speaks to me in oh so many ways.  I thank Him for it and pray this mini-revival continues here on Holy Thursday through the trip and beyond.