A Valentine Tribute
As if my pomegranate episode was not traumatic enough (see previous blog if you are completely confused), I found myself having an emotional meltdown as I pressed through my biography on the amazing ministry of William and Catherine Booth. For those of you who know me well, I have a lot of trouble showing emotion of any kind.
Okay, I lied. I’m a total softy, a romantic cream puff. Just ask my wife. Anyway, I’m reading about the death of Catherine, William’s life and ministry partner of over forty years, and tears are streaming down my cheeks. They shared a relationship marked by a passion for Jesus, a passion for souls, and a passion for each other. As I read through their life’s journey, I came to love and admire this great woman of God. Here are some of the touching scenes from her passing.
“Seeing her life ebb slowly away, they each kissed her and said their goodbyes. With her hand in his, William waited for the final moment, praying for the grace to endure. Sensing somehow that the time had come, he bent to kiss his beloved wife and took her in his arms. She breathed his name one last time as her life slipped away.”
Her legacy was profound. Fifty thousand people filed by her casket to pay their last respects to the woman who had been a spiritual mother to thousands.
At her funeral, William spoke tenderly of his beloved bride: “She loved the fight! Her great sorrow to the last moment was, “I cannot be with you when the clouds lower, when friends turn and leave you, and sorrows come sweeping over you; I shall no longer be there to put my arms around you and cheer you on!”
As my thoughts travel to my own beloved wife, Marion, half way around the globe on this Valentine’s Day, I thank the Lord for a wife who shares a passion for Jesus, for people, and for me. You are a priceless treasure from the Lord. May I forever savor each day we are able to share together. (Hey! Will somebody make sure Marion reads this blog!)
Happy Valentines Day!