It’s been ten months since my sister Peach slipped into Heaven. We didn’t see it coming. We were dumbfounded as we watched her life ebb away. The shock and grief have been tangible, but I don’t have to tell you that. You have probably lived through a similar experience yourself.
Though this has been hard for us, we know that she is in the presence of Jesus. She is very much alive and well, filled with joy and peace. We temper our tears with the glorious knowledge that she is with the Savior she loves.
God’s Promise to Those Who Trust in Him
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
After Peach’s burial on May 21 we saw the double rainbow pictured above just a couple of blocks from our house. What a reminder of all the promises of God. He is a faithful comforter and can always be trusted. If you are in a season of mourning or crying or pain, know that Jesus sees and hears you. Put your hope in him.
A Child’s Faith
One Sunday evening when we were kids, the church service ended with an altar call. People were invited to come to the altar to pray. Three-year-old Peach said, “Mama, I want to go up there! I want to get Jesus in my heart.”
Mom said, “Let’s just stay here and we can pray right where we are. You can ask Jesus into your heart from here!”
“No, Mama. I want to go to the altar. Please can we go to the altar?”
So Dad and Mom and Peach went to the altar. Later the people who had gathered there were given a chance to share a testimony. Peach stood up and said to those gathered, “I just got Jesus in my heart!”
Her Lifelong Loves
From that day forward she never wavered. She loved Jesus all her life. She loved God’s creation. She loved people. As a children’s pastor she got to love on hundreds of children and adults over the years.
All these loves flowed out of her through singing. Peach was known by many for her clear voice and her sweet spirit. She loved musicals and seemed to have a song for everything. But mostly she loved hymns.
About 25 years ago the Lord led Peach to sing for people as they were preparing to die. You can read about it here.
Summing Up Peach’s Life
When Peach passed away our friend Pam Kiser Pursel shared with us a recording from her mom’s memorial service. It was of Peach singing Jesus Led Me All the Way. It was not only a perfect tribute to the life of Ruth Kiser, but it was a tribute to Peach’s life too.
We included this recording of Peach singing the hymn at her Celebration of Life. It is a fitting statement of Peach’s life. To hear it you, click on the small play button at the bottom of the recording. The lyrics are below the song.
Jesus Led Me All the Way
Some day life’s journey will be o’er
And I shall reach that distant shore,
I’ll sing while entering Heaven’s door,
“Jesus led me all the way.”
Chorus
Jesus led me all the way,
Led me step by step each day,
I will tell the saints and angels
As I lay my burden down,
“Jesus led me all the way.”
If God should let me there review
The winding paths of earth I knew,
It would be proven clear and true,
“Jesus led me all the way.”
And hitherto my Lord hath led,
Today He guides each step I tread,
And soon in Heaven it will be said,
“Jesus led me all the way.”
~ John W Peterson
Let Jesus lead us all the way,
Ginger
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