And She Fell Asleep
At approximately 7:45 AM this past Thursday, JANICE CASE was eased from this time world into the timeless realm known as “eternity.” Her family conveys she lay quite peacefully as if to simply go to sleep. Such is the gentleness of scripture in describing those precious souls who died in the Lord. (See Acts 17:60; 2 Peter 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14).
It was recently observed by one of Janice’s closest friends and a sister in Christ, “She has always been the perfect helpmeet.” Such a truthful statement reminds us of 1 Peter 3: 1-6. Janice was the epitome of a chaste (pure) manner of life. Her adorning was indeed that of her hidden and incorrupt soul, an ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. She adored her husband Tom, who passed just less than a month ago (1-12-22) but adored her Lord and Master with even greater fever!
She was a GREAT – GRAND – MOTHER, both in character and as an expressed mother of multiple generations. Her demeanor always contained the qualities of solitude, humility, reservation, love, and strength of mind (i.e., wisdom). Indeed, Proverbs 31: 10- 31 describes Janice well – it is evident she strived for and gained the perfected glory of this virtuous woman. She realized her role as a Christian, the wife of an elder, the mother of adult children with children and grandchildren, and remained the example of righteousness for them all!
The parting of such a loved one from our midst is never a joyous occasion. Yet, there is an element of our spiritual being that must realize for such a one to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). God’s promise is to the faithful (Revelation 2:10; 14:13) and while it is not ours to pass the eternal verdict of eternity upon her (John 5:22), it is ours to judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). God’s promise being ever true, there can be no doubt of a crown of righteousness for His faithful ones. We believe Janice has that crown awaiting (2 Timothy 4:8).
I muse on the reality of such earnest examples who have influenced our lives. The list is long and growing longer as we continue in this world. Yet none is greater than Christ Jesus (1 Peter 2:21.) He is the flawless example in every aspect of life, both physically and spiritually. (2 Peter 1:3) Such great comfort comes to our souls when we recline at night, reflecting on our conduct and labors of love for the day, and ponder them in the light of His glorious pattern. Are they found righteous? Have we labored in Him that we can now rest well? May we follow carefully that we may someday fall asleep in Him as well!