Godsrainbow

In October 2006, one of the saddest events in my family's life took place. Jocelyn, my sister-in-law, passed away because of aneurysm. It was too sudden for everyone. Her two girls working in Manila flew home to be with my brother and their siblings. Jocelyn was in a coma for more than a week but the doctors could do nothing anymore. I was told that when my brother and his children said goodbye to this angel of GOD, they saw tears from her eyes. It was, I believe, her way of saying to them how very much she loved everyone, but Jesus was calling. Being a devoted Christian she knew it was time for her to go. There is another purpose for her life now - a life with JESUS!

It has been a few months now without her. I know each moment of the day is being relived by my brother, Bien, whose faithfulness to his wife is beyond compare. He continues to pray to the LORD for his beloved and he knows in his heart that they will be together in GOD's abode.

I know of his visits to the grave daily to feel her presence, to find time to talk to her and to whisper in the wind his love for her and his loneliness and that he misses her a lot. But in spite of all these, he knows it was GOD's will. He told me once that at times he could not understand but does not question GOD. He relies on Him for He knows all. I admire him for that. GOD made that love strong at all costs. They cared for each other very much and respected each other well, taking time to listen to each other's needs.

Jocelyn was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and most especially GOD's daughter. I can see her now - smiling at people's ways. She took good care of her children's, husband's and immediate family's and friends' needs even forgetting her own. She was what you call a giver, a sharer, a good Christian. My parents who have ailments of their own experienced her love and caring ways. Often when I call home, she and I would talk. We talked a lot about everything. Sometimes I took the opportunity to sing to her my newly composed songs. Her words bring smiles to my being even up to now when I think of her. Her soft voice was like the fresh flowing in the hot

desert - able to make you feel comfortable and quenches your thirst. .

You never feel like a stranger in her company. I remember her when she became the reigning queen of our town - that was when she caught the eyes of my brother. She was a beautiful girl with demure ways, soft long black hair and glistening eyes. She was petite and had oily skin. She became one of my dearest friends. I was so enthused when she and my brother became childhood sweethearts.

Everything indeed about Jocelyn was beautiful. She was an intelligent woman who handled mathematical problems like a pro but never bragged about her skills. She never boasted about her children who graduated with honors. She was such a woman of faith.... a woman of righteousness in her heart. She was kind and accepting and never maligned anyone else's reputation or name.

Their lives, hers and my brother's, have been blessed by the LORD with six beautiful children. Their strong faith in Him bonded them together and glued the whole family harmoniously.

I know that the departure of my sister-in-law brought tremendous impact on many lives, particularly on my brother's --- but there's never a doubt in my mind, that whenever he thinks of her, his thoughts are flooded in by that of the LORD's. Pain becomes strength with His presence. Loneliness becomes the healing touch from the LORD. Death becomes a celebration in heaven!

What echoes inside my head whenever I call my brother for an advice, is a simple statement that speaks of truth.... "GOD will take care of things, Inday." And indeed GOD has proven always that He takes care of things.

I know where my sister-in-law is. She is now in heaven with our Lord. How do I know? A four-year old boy prompted me one night to read verse 13 in Psalm 45.....and knew from my heart that GOD sent an answer to my prayer.

Proverbs 31:10:31