Grace Before Peace

Constructing thought... Just a day or so after my Bema's funeral I was finally able to start putting my thoughts into more complete sentences instead of fragments of emotions and memories. Sitting in a quiet room, I wrote them on scrap paper just as quickly as I could, all too often my words come faster than my fingers can write... The laughter and tastes of home... Laughter.... loud, boisterous, contagious, deep down, soul warming, side aching laughter... This is what my mind is consumed with as I think of my earliest memories of my Donell family. Big hugs— long hugs, eagerly greeting us after a long drive. As each family member would arrive the joyous greetings would start all over. Finally, when the last family would pull into the driveway our hearts would be full, overflowing. Everyone was home! The smells!! Oh the smells that came from Bema and Papaws kitchen!! My first taste of homemade peanut butter cookies, smoked brisket, fresh bass fried to golden perfect, and mou

A choice... "Sarah, just think, I could be in heaven soon!" How does one respond to that? July 2018 was the beginning of one of those times in my life when I had a choice, a choice that could make an impact broader than my blind eye can see. When faced with the excitement of a saint about to enter into their eternal reward my choices were, I could live out what I say I believe and be excited with her or I can run away in fear, unbelief, and cry out in selfishness for this time to not come. With a matriarch like my Bema leading the way, setting the example of living out your faith, my choice was a much easier and joyful than I imagined. On going learning... I can remember months after my mother passed away and even now nearly 20 years later my human heartache creeping in saying, "Why MY mom? I needed/need her! I have so many things to say, to ask, memories to make. WHY?!" I can never get far down that path of thinking before I hear this whisper to my heart &q