Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Sheltered in the Arms of God

Last night I heard on the news of the passing of Dottie Rambo. I am sure many of you recognize the name and are familar with her songs (We Shall Behold Him, Holy Spirit Thou Art Welcome in this Place, I Call Him Lord, and many others!) She passed away on a bus accident in Missouri at the age of 74.

I would like to share something personal with all of you. One of her songs, (which is the title of this post) was one of my mom's favorite songs. One of the memories I cherish is the day the doctors told her she didn't have long to live (due to the aggressiveness of the cancer) she & my dad had a special friend (with a beautiful voice) sing this song to her in the hospital. I remember this just as if it were yesterday. The nurses all came in and everyone was praying for a miracle. I just knew God wasn't going to let my mom die (she had 3 girls to raise). Well God did take her home on October 27, 1989 and the same friend sang this song at her funeral. (Even as I am typing this, I am just bawling.) I can't hear this song with out thoughts of my awesome mom who loved God with all her heart. I can't imagine how she must have felt knowing that she was going to heaven but to have to leave her family behind. But I know (without a doubt) that she is Sheltered in the Arms of God!! And I can't wait to the day that I can see her and hug her again!!

(I have included the lyrics if you are not familar with them.)

I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender.
They're leading me in the paths that I must trod.
I'll have no fear for Jesus walks beside me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storm clouds rage high,
The dark clouds rise,
They don't bother me;
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.
He walks with me,
And naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

Soon I shall hear the call from heaven's portals
Come home my child,
It's the last mile you must trod
I'll fall asleep
And wake in God's sweet heaven
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storm clouds rage high,
The dark clouds rise,
They don't bother me;
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.
He walks with me,
And naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

9 comments:

Klingbeil Family said...

This is a hard one for me to comment on... The only thing I can think of to say is that you are blessed to know exactly where your mother is and who she is with - and that you will see her again some day. Not everyone has that assurance of knowing where our loved ones are who have already passed on. What a wonderful thing to have that confidence of knowing you will see your mom again one day.
Sometimes things like a song or a smell can trigger memories so strong - it's as if you are back at that moment again
Love you,
Marilyn

MBJones said...

Thanks for sharing your heart. What a tender moment to share. Your mom sounds as special as you are.

Love,
MB

Tamara Chastain said...

What a beautiful song. Your mom would be so proud of you. Praise God for percious memories.

The Wild World of Richmond said...

Jennifer, you must have had a beautiful mom with a beautiful heart. She taught you the most important thing you ever had to learn. Jesus is there just when we need him...good, bad and messy. He's holding you tighter in the storms. Your mom should be commended for reminding her girls who was taking care of her, and who still is taking care of her.

Erik and Angela Green said...

AWW Jennifer!! Okay I am sitting here crying at school because I just read what you wrote! I don't remember that happening but I am sure glad that I have you in my life to tell me things about Mom. I miss her so much! It breaks my heart to know that I can barely remember things about her. Thanks for sharing this! I love you big sis! Angie

Maddie said...

Sometimes there just aren't the right words. This is one of them for me. I love you and think you are an awesome person. Your mom sounds like she had a whole lot to do with that!

Cyndi Lou said...

Jennifer,

How transparent of you to share your heart with us. I know this must have been hard to share, but thank you for doing this and giving us a glimpse of what a wonderful mother you surely have waiting to see you someday in GLORY!!

I am confident that she is so very PROUD of the amazing woman you have become-- a wonderful wife, mom, and a fantastic friend!

I love you Jennifer and I praise God for you!!

Love you,

Cyndi

Tim & Angela Fleming said...

Jennifer, thank you for blessing me with your sweet memory of your mom. Isn't it an awesome feeling to know that she is "Sheltered in the Arms of GOD" and that one day you will see her again.
My heart goes out to you and Angie as I know this week was probably very hard for both of you.
Love you,
Angela

Tammy Howard said...

Wow...that was so touching. I know your mom must have been a woderful woman because you and Angie are such great women of God.

I love that song...Sheltered in the arms of God Too!!! There are no fears in the arms of God :-)

Thanks for sharing your memories with us.

Love,

Tammy