But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

I sat in the big sanctuary listening to the Jones sisters and my eyes began to fill with tears. They were singing praises to our Heavenly Father and my heart rejoiced remembering my baby sister, Patty, who waits for me on the other side. As painful as it was to remember my sister, I was grateful to know that my hope rests in the One I trust, God Almighty, and the assurance that I will see my sister again.

I remember the day I received the call from my baby sister telling me she had cancer. My heart broke and tears filled my eyes. I was speechless for the first time in my life. I said to her, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what to say.” She was gracious and said, “I know. It’s okay.” We sat there in silence for a while; both crying knowing there was a battle up ahead.

The doctors gave my sister two years to live. She had gallbladder cancer, which was a rare type of cancer with a small chance of survival. I did my best to call her and encourage her regularly. I was grateful she had accepted the Lord as her Savior a few years back. She would tell me that she was ready to go to heaven, if that was the Lord’s will. I was moved by her faith.

I can’t tell you how much I learned from my sister during this difficult season our family went through. When she accepted Jesus as her Savior, she jumped in with both feet. There was no turning back for her. No doubt of who her Savior was. Her demeanor was so calming and assured in who God made her; she was a child of God! Patty was my inspiration.

The last few months of her life went too quickly. I was able to visit her in Washington while our family packed her belongings so that she could move in with our mother. Patty had radiation just before my visit. I could hardly recognize her when I walked in the door. It pained me to see her this way. I couldn’t deny any more that the Lord was calling her home.

I saw my baby sister take her last breath on June 23, 2015. I was grateful the Lord allowed me to be with her to say goodbye. It was the most painful day of my life. I cried out to the Lord for His un-surpassing peace because the pain was too unbearable. I felt His Holy Spirit wrap His arms around me and comfort me and renew my strength. I will not grow weary, for my hope is in the Lord.