Suddenly Taken

Our friend Kat Gilmore unexpectedly passed away this weekend and today was her funeral. How can I not honor sweet sweet Kathryn? She was an incredibly godly wife and mother who desired to please God in everything. She loved God and was committed to His Word. She had a heart for ministering to women and teaching kids. She was truly amazing.

At the age of 29 she was suddenly was taken from this earth to stand face to face with Jesus. I have never had a friend die. I am still unsure how to process it. So unexpected, so sudden. Ultimately there is joy because she is with Jesus, the One she loves most. Yet, utter sadness for her husband and son.

The verse that keeps coming to mind is, "Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36

I remember Mark who I went to junior high school with. In 7th grade (I had given my life to Christ that year) we had an art class together. We were airbrushing stencils we had drawn and cut out. His was of demons. I remember thinking, "I should tell him about Jesus." But then I thought, "Na, I can see him grown up with a family and going to church one day." So I didn't share with him. Later that year he committ suicide. Suddenly.

That day will come upon us all. And God tells us to be on guard so our hearts wouldn't be indulging in the flesh and wouldn't be ruled by anxious hearts. But rather that we can say with Kat and Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith ; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day ; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Tim. 4:7-8

I am spurred on to keep watch over my heart as I run with perseverance and share the gospel often.

Please be praying for Kat's husband Chris, her son Matthew, and for her family members that don't know Christ.