Cemeteries, Friends and Whispers

​Let me introduce you to a couple of friends, Brother Don and Edie Moore. I was reminded of this dear couple while recently visiting the resting place of my sweet partner, Dave. Brother Don wrote a little book a few years back entitled, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cemetery.” Delightful read, with many anecdotes of antics, some his, some from others. My Dave had several anecdotes and antics on his own, but we will explore those another time.

Brother Don and his loving wife of his youth have been tremendous and wonderful servants of our Lord and Savior, truly inspirational. Introduced to the Moores a dozen or so years ago, Dave and I greatly treasured their friendship. Brother Don never failed with a greeting to all. Upon greeting Dave, he usually would say, “…and how are you doing today, my friend?” Truly considering him a friend.

Brother Don Moore left this world last summer, going on ahead of the rest of us, to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior. The Savior he served so faithfully for more than sixty years. May the Lord’s peace and comfort be with Sister Edie and the remaining Moore family.

Never did Brother Don and Edie fail to be welcoming and refreshing to all within their presence, especially with those delightful and wholesome antics and anecdotes. And, with those antics and anecdotes, this precious couple, faithful instruments of God, helped you to tune into and listen for that still small voice.
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That still small voice that beckons and draws each of us near – a gentle whisper.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

...“Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”
    Psalm 46:10

​Predominantly, the resting place of those gone on is expectantly quiet. A place where you can serenely enjoy a few life’s simpler pleasures: birds singing among tree limbs, rabbits hopping along the markers and stones, squirrels quickly scurrying up one tree then another and occasionally deer cautiously watching from a stand of trees bordering the perimeter.

Dusk approaching, a gentle breeze made its presence known as the waxing moon appears to be watchful of the last rays of the day’s sunlight fading on this mild winter’s eve. Welcoming the sauntering breeze as it whispers through their branches and limbs, the trees are brought to life, appearing to be gracefully dancing as they gracefully sway to and fro. A gleeful whisper, both mysterious and mesmerizing,
Do you hear it? – the whisper of the Holy Spirit of God calling. Shh! Be Still. Listen.

Whispers…
Whispers, used to share secrets.
Whispers, softly spoken words; hushed, almost silent, like a mother lures her tired children to restful slumber with endearing whispers.​

Image via Vi Gene

During a time of laryngitis, whispers are thrust upon some unwanted. A most dreaded occurrence for the orator, performer and operatic vocalist.
Whispers…

Chapters 17, 18 and 19 of the Old Testament book of First Kings share with us an amazing and bazaar chain of events involving the prophet Elijah the Tishbite. His name is Hebrew, Elijah or Elias, actually means “My God Is Yahweh”.

Briefly summarized, God calls Elijah to tell the Israelites they are not worshiping as they should. The Israelites should have known God meant business with the very meaning of his prophet’s name meaning “My God Is Yahweh.” Look out! Several amazing events took place through Elijah as he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Yet, there was a time that Elijah feared for his life as others sought to kill him. After calling down fire on Mt. Carmel through God’s divine power, Elijah ran for his life. He hid in a cave at Mt. Horeb. From out of the cave, God called him. But this time it was different. This time there was a whisper…not just any whisper. The whisper from God. ​

“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.”
​1 Kings 19:11-12​

Rustling of leaves during Spring – soothing billows, from open windows, send whispers of freshness to our senses. Whispers of life.

Let us be ever mindful of the whispers in our lives, as they are easily missed, unheard and disregarded. Whether that of a small child, of who may be ill, of one from a distance or from The One who matters most: Our Heavenly Father.
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ta ta for now
Vi Gene